Narrative Lectionary Reflection for December 28, 2014 (Year One)
One of the wonderful aspects of the Narrative Lectionary is that we are afforded the opportunity to enter into the Christmas story one more time. And we’ll hear it without any of the pressures and expectations that so often accompany the faithful and seekers alike on Christmas Eve. How will you make the most of this opportunity? (Photo: Waiting for the Word, Creative Commons License)
Narrative Lectionary for the Fourth Sunday of Advent, Year One
Tell Joseph’s unlikely story of dreams, of decisions, and of righteous intentions. Invite us all to dream a little dream of Christmas—not of sugarplums and reindeer clatter but rather of peace, of justice, and of salvation. Set the stage for the real work of Christmas to begin. (Photo: Ted, Creative Commons)
Fourth Sunday of Advent, Year B, December 21, 2014
“…let it be with me according to your word,” says Mary. Let it be. What a statement of radical assent! What an affirmation of faith, a declaration of trust, and a testament to courage! This week we once again remind ourselves that we stand with Mary, with Peter, and with all the faithful witnesses to the Good News of Jesus Christ. (Photo: Paukrus, Creative Commons)
Third Sunday of Advent, Year B, December 14, 2014
Like John the Baptist, we are called to point to Jesus, to share the good news so that others may know him. Witness is not passive. We tell the story of what we have seen, heard, and experienced. (Photo: Paolo Tonin, Creative Commons)
Narrative Lectionary Reflection for December 14, 2014 (Year One) Third Sunday of Advent
Sometimes we just need to lift our eyes, open our ears, and tear away those protective layers in which we wrap our hearts in order to hear a word of hope. Read this week’s lesson again. Read it out loud. Read it again and again until the words fill the broken and bruised parts of you. Fill yourself with he good news that God is God and is always doing something new. (Photo: Lau Lau Chan, Creative Commons)
Narrative Lectionary Reflection, Year 1, Week 12
Second Week of Advent, December 7, 2014
Esther took advantage of the opportunity afforded her to save her people. How might we today take advantage of our abundance to make a difference in the lives of others? (Photo: JC, Creative Commons)
Lectionary Reflection for the Second Sunday of Advent Year B, December 7, 2014
This Advent as we watch and keep awake we are also expected—all of us—to be active participants in preparing for Christ’s coming among us in the Day of the Lord. Read on for five suggestions and for ideas for worship (continuing the Advent visual), and time with youth and children. (Photo: /\ \/\/ /\, Creative Commons)
Narrative Lectionary Reflection, Year 1, Week 11, November 30, 2014
Dear preacher, this Sunday calls for a prophetic word. As you hold your iPad or newspaper in one hand and your Bible in the other, there is clear between word and world. Can we really afford not to speak out? Can we in good conscience simply gloss over current events, perhaps only lifting up prayer petitions? (Photo: Nana B. Agyei, Creative Commons)
First Sunday of Advent, Year B, November 30, 2014
It’s Advent again. What’s a Christian to do? We wait, we hope, we sin, we mess up: wash, rinse, repeat. According to Jesus in Mark’s gospel this week, we must remain awake and be fully present and attentive every day. (Photo: Alan Turkus, Creative Commons)
Narrative Lectionary Reflection (Year One, Week Ten), November 23, 2014
Jeremiah’s call to speak prophetically to God’s people is a tough one, but God puts the words in his mouth and goes with him. Yes, God equips ordinary people like you and like me to speak. When we do so, we can count on God to be sowing seeds of hope and abundance–even when the situation looks hopeless. (Photo: emdot, Creative Commons)
