Author: Greg Hildenbrand

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

Saturday, December 21, 2024 Advent: Love, Day 7 Reading: “All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome … Continue reading Contemplative Christmas

Friday, December 20, 2024 Advent: Love, Day 6 Reading: “In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of … Continue reading Contemplative Christmas

Thursday, December 19, 2024 Advent: Love, Day 5 Reading: “Listen! I am standing at the door, knocking; if you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in and eat with you, and you with me.” [1] Reflection: “Knock, knock.” “Who’s there?” “Doris.” “Doris who?” “Doris locked, that’s why I’m knocking!” There is … Continue reading Contemplative Christmas

Tuesday, December 17, 2024 Advent: Love, Day 3 Reading: “…You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind…and you shall love your neighbor as yourself.” [1] Reflection: When I consider what it means to be a Christian, a follower of Jesus the Christ, … Continue reading Contemplative Christmas

Monday, December 16, 2024 Advent: Love, Day 2 Reading: “(Love) bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” [1] Reflection: The opposite of love is not hate. The opposite of love is apathy – not caring, not seeing another, acting as if the other does not exist or that I have … Continue reading Contemplative Christmas