Contemplating Grace

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

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