New Year’s resolutions. I have long wondered over the idea. One decides they will start the New Year healthily, then comes the New Year’s Day football game with chicken wings, ribs, fries, and all the munchies possible. To say nothing of the left-over Christmas cookies.
And the stress which sets in over public declarations, that seemed like a perfectly good idea to make sure one has accountability partners to keep one on track. Now we are sneaking that “one” cookie as we try to avoid their gaze. Add on the guilt of failure. Can’t say any of it was ever very appealing to me. I know myself far too well to set myself up for failure.
Why not start considering the Holy Spirit as our accountability partner and base any resolutions on progress, not perfection, with scripture as our guide? This year I want to start here: “Before you do anything, put your trust totally in God and not in yourself. Then every plan (resolution?) you make will succeed” (Proverbs 16:3 TPT).
Sounds better already, don’t you think? I know I will never meet the level of perfection my all too human pride demands of me here on earth; however, I can wake each day and commit my efforts to the Lord and do the very best I can. For specific goals, I can then turn to the source again.
Instead of focusing on all my past failed attempts, I can follow the example of Paul: “I admit that I haven’t yet acquired the absolute fullness that I’m pursuing but I run with passion into his abundance so that I may reach the purpose that Jesus Christ had called me to fulfill and wants me to discover” (Philippians 3:12).
Wow! The energy that is infused in that declaration! I can get very excited about joining in the adventure Paul is outlining here. In context, I know that Paul has just spoken of his past perfect “righteousness” and forsaken it as nothing when compared to “…the delight of experiencing Jesus Christ as my Lord” (Philippians 3:7). This is an all-encompassing invitation. One I can apply to any area of my life as I commit my days to the Lord.
And how much more doable then, my pursuits will be in the here and now regardless of life’s rollercoaster ride? I consider James 4 one of the most practical chapters in the New Testament when it comes to examining my life and directing it. James speaks of the origin of most of our personal conflicts and quarrels as being our fight to have our own way of getting what we want. Good to remember, just in case we decide that forgiveness and peacemaking should be one of our resolutions.
Rather than making set-in-stone goals for white-knuckle resolutions, as far as work goes for instance, James 4 reminds us in verse 14 that “…you don’t have a clue what tomorrow may bring. For your fleeting life is but a warm breath of air that is visible in the cold only for a moment then vanishes! Instead, you should say, ‘our tomorrows are in the Lord’s hands and if he is willing we will live life to its fullest and do this or that.’ “
Knowing all our tomorrows are in God’s hands and that again, if we commit ALL our ways to him, he will make clear our paths, removes the stress of accomplishment to the greatest degree our humanity permits. All is ours for the asking. We just need to have our motives committed to the Lord. Of course, we note it was James 4:2 that also gave us the too often condensed: “you have not because you ask not,” leaving out that right motive caveat.
Our resolutions will only be as good as the foundation we base them on. Say you notice that you have been a bit inclined to run off at the mouth. Consider the reminder in Job 23:12 that says what goes into someone’s mouth does not defile them, but what comes out of their mouth, that is what defiles them. Then the resolution will have a bit more meat to it. Perhaps just a prayer that you take a breath before speaking to consider if it is true, necessary, and kind.
When it comes to the mouth, other great scriptures guide us: “Deliver me, O Lord, from lying lips, from a deceitful tongue” (Matthew 6:7). “There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing” (Psalm 120:2). From the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus himself tells us: “…but just let your words ring true. A simple yes or no will suffice…” (Matthew 5:36-37).
And so, I am brought back to my original popular resolution to lose weight. Maybe I could be more convinced by meditating on: “Don’t you know that your bodies belong to Christ as his body parts.” “Have you forgotten that your body is now the sacred temple of the Spirit of Holiness, who lives in you? You don’t belong to yourself any longer, for the gift of God, the Holy Spirit lives inside your sanctuary. You were God’s expensive purchase, paid for with tears of blood, so by all means, then, use your body to bring glory to God (1 Corinthians 6:15, 19-20).
Ah yes … I’ll have the salad!
Kathie Hempel
Following The Star Into the New Year
In January we celebrate Epiphany and the coming of the Magi to visit Jesus. Like them, many of us feel we are on a long journey following a star that is sometimes bright and shining, sometimes completely hidden yet still guiding us towards Christ. 2022 taught us important lessons that will shape the coming year. We sense God wants to do something new in our lives and we want to follow in the right direction.
Join Lilly Lewin and Christine Sine online Saturday, January 7th 2023 from 9:30 am PT to 12:30pm PT as they help us reflect on the past year and take time to hope, dream and pray for the year ahead. We will engage in some fun practices like chalking the door and interact with each other in ways that strengthen our faith and draw us closer to God.
Click here to register! We are once again offering several price points to aid those who are students or in economic hardship.
- We all have dreams and aspirations for the future but need the support and encouragement of others to move us forward. This retreat will help you solidify your dreams and plan creatively for the future.
- We need creative prompts like Lilly and Christine provide to stir our imaginations and help us discern the path ahead. God often speaks through this type of exercise.
- Especially at the beginning of the year, we need to take time to pause, draw breath and refocus on God. We have just come through the busiest season of the year and we all need time and this retreat will provided a much needed pause for all of us to reset our spiritual disciplines.
The Birth of Jesus
2 1-5 About that time Caesar Augustus ordered a census to be taken throughout the Empire. This was the first census when Quirinius was governor of Syria. Everyone had to travel to his own ancestral hometown to be accounted for. So Joseph went from the Galilean town of Nazareth up to Bethlehem in Judah, David’s town, for the census. As a descendant of David, he had to go there. He went with Mary, his fiancée, who was pregnant.
6-7 While they were there, the time came for her to give birth. She gave birth to a son, her firstborn. She wrapped him in a blanket and laid him in a manger, because there was no room in the hostel.
An Event for Everyone
8-12 There were shepherds camping in the neighborhood. They had set night watches over their sheep. Suddenly, God’s angel stood among them and God’s glory blazed around them. They were terrified. The angel said, “Don’t be afraid. I’m here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: A Savior has just been born in David’s town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master. This is what you’re to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger.”
13-14 At once the angel was joined by a huge angelic choir singing God’s praises:
Glory to God in the heavenly heights,
Peace to all men and women on earth who please him.15-18 As the angel choir withdrew into heaven, the shepherds talked it over. “Let’s get over to Bethlehem as fast as we can and see for ourselves what God has revealed to us.” They left, running, and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. Seeing was believing. They told everyone they met what the angels had said about this child. All who heard the shepherds were impressed.
19-20 Mary kept all these things to herself, holding them dear, deep within herself. The shepherds returned and let loose, glorifying and praising God for everything they had heard and seen. It turned out exactly the way they’d been told! LUKE 2 THE MESSAGE
READ THE STORY AGAIN
In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while[a] Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register.
So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” 16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. LUKE 2: 1-20 NIV
NOW USE ART to help you connect and reflect on The Story…choose one or two links or take time over the next week to look at all of them.
Slide Show to go with the Lectionary Readings
The Nativity in Art from the National Gallery in London (slides)
The Christmas Story in the Art of the National Gallery in DC (long video)
The Christmas Story in Student Art from Australia (slides)
Story of Christmas told in Sand by Artist Joe Castillio (short video)
Nativity art from around the World
What do you notice? What image strikes you? What are you wondering about as you look at the art and recall the story of Jesus’s birth?
What is the Holy Spirit speaking to you about today? Through the scripture, through the art?
Talk to Jesus about where you are and about the GIFT you need this Christmas. RECEIVE THE GIFT OF GOD WITH US!
Adoration of the child
Poem submitted by Elaine Breckenridge
Advent
I live my Advent in the womb of Mary.
And on one night when a great star swings free
from its high mooring and walks down the sky
to be the dot above the Christus i,
I shall be born of her by blessed grace.
I wait in Mary-darkness, faith’s walled place,
with hope’s expectance of nativity.
I know for long she carried me and fed me,
guarded and loved me, though I could not see.
But only now, with inward jubilee,
I come upon earth’s most amazing knowledge:
someone is hidden in this dark with me.
–Jessica Powers
1905-1988
Following The Star Into the New Year
In January we celebrate Epiphany and the coming of the Magi to visit Jesus. Like them, many of us feel we are on a long journey following a star that is sometimes bright and shining, sometimes completely hidden yet still guiding us towards Christ. 2022 taught us important lessons that will shape the coming year. We sense God wants to do something new in our lives and we want to follow in the right direction.
Join Lilly Lewin and Christine Sine online Saturday, January 7th 2023 from 9:30 am PT to 12:30pm PT as they help us reflect on the past year and take time to hope, dream and pray for the year ahead. We will engage in some fun practices like chalking the door and interact with each other in ways that strengthen our faith and draw us closer to God.
Click here to register! We are once again offering several price points to aid those who are students or in economic hardship.
This is the time of year when we are encouraged by almost everything that passes through our inboxes and magazine reading to “reflect on the past year”. Even in churches we’ll be encouraged to think about that. But when the disciples ask Jesus what is the most effective prayer, he gives what has now become known as The Lord’s Prayer. One of the lines in it tells us to ask for our Daily Bread; not yearly, monthly, whatever, but daily. In other places Jesus is recorded as telling us not to worry about tomorrow, but to cast each day’s cares onto God. He also tells a story about a man who builds a barn to store his grain in which sounds like a really good idea, but then the man is dead the following day; it was a waste of time for him to reflect on his great harvest and plan too far in advance.
There is a practise I have been into which I think is Benedictine, and it is to reflect on my day as I get into bed. As I ponder and reflect on my day I can ask for forgiveness, can forgive others, can see what I need to sort for tomorrow [though I always recheck the tomorrow things the next day to check I’ve got that correct]. It also means if I have done something that I feel I need to put right I can do it the following morning.
There is a multi-million dollar/pound/euro industry of self-help books that talk about living in the moment, living in mindfulness. But you can’t be “mindful” if you’re reflecting on something that happened a few months ago. Surely that is contradicting their own teaching. And as Christians if Jesus is saying ask for what we need daily, then do these practices not contradicting our theology?
Also, when it comes to remembering, even during that same day we put our own filters across our experiences: negative, self-blaming, accusing, condemning, positive, etc. But the further we are removed from an event the more we blur it, the more we put our own emotional memories into it. So if we do the reflecting the same day and get the rubbish cleared out, then each morning really does start as a new day – really does start with us being able to truly live out our daily bread.
The other thing we are encouraged to do this time of year is set goals. Hands up – who then feels disappointed in themselves by February, or sooner, that they haven’t stuck with their very well intentioned goals? Goals are again like the man who builds the barn; full of great intentions but we don’t know what’s round the corner. We don’t know what the world will throw at us. Loads of things I am doing as this year ends I couldn’t have envisioned, and other things I thought might happen didn’t. So no goal setting for me because like I say for one it isn’t leaning on God, isn’t living in the moment, and also leads to disappointment.
Instead, I do have some things I would like to come to fruition in the coming months so I am doing some QEC work around them. And there are other things that I need to ponder, check my heart about, talk with God about, and see what becomes of them.
Though I realise as I come to the end of this post that I do tell a little lie to myself and to you, my reader. I do have a goal. Quite a big goal. It is to continue clearing the junk out of my heart so that I can hear it properly which will mean more QEC, more working with God. This will lead to trusting myself in a deeper way, trusting the Universe in a deep way, and trusting the Creator of the Universe in a deeper way.
All of which can only come about through daily forgiveness of myself and others and daily asking for those things I need to nourish me throughout each and every day.
Find more of Diane’s writings at her websites Aspirational Adventure and Barefoot at the Kitchen Table.
Following The Star Into the New Year
In January we celebrate Epiphany and the coming of the Magi to visit Jesus. Like them, many of us feel we are on a long journey following a star that is sometimes bright and shining, sometimes completely hidden yet still guiding us towards Christ. 2022 taught us important lessons that will shape the coming year. We sense God wants to do something new in our lives and we want to follow in the right direction.
Join Lilly Lewin and Christine Sine online Saturday, January 7th 2023 from 9:30 am PT to 12:30pm PT as they help us reflect on the past year and take time to hope, dream and pray for the year ahead. We will engage in some fun practices like chalking the door and interact with each other in ways that strengthen our faith and draw us closer to God.
Click here to register! We are once again offering several price points to aid those who are students or in economic hardship.
by Cathy Lawton
One Christmas all our young grandchildren came to visit. We enjoyed playing in the snow, baking cookies, sledding down the hill, watching the backyard birds and making pinecone suet feeders for them. And we painted watercolor pictures of nature scenes. People in the neighborhood put lights on their houses and trees. I began to wonder: What do the birds think of all the lights and activities of Christmas season? This story in verse (and the illustrations) came to me. I published it in a book. It tells about Christmas from the perspective of a backyard bird—a story of hope and joy. Here are excerpts:
• • • • •
What Is Coming to Our World?
How a Backyard Bird Sees Christmas
Seasons pass.
For a while we will not have
warm soil and wiggly worms,
bright and colorful garden flowers,
plenty of insects on leaf and wing,
sun shining high across the sky,
and many things that make us sing.
Days get shorter. Air grows colder.
I search harder and farther
for a meal and a warm place to sleep.
The hawk and the fox are hunting too,
so I will hide under a bush.
The chill air tells me
high on mountain peaks
snowflakes are drifting
in piles white and deep.
In this place that is my home
soon will come
sparkling frost and falling snow.
Bells are ringing, I hear singing.
Good aromas are increasing.
What story does the music tell?
Though nippy days turn noses pink,
something good is coming, I think.
When the people open their doors
I smell something warm and spicy.
They fill our birdbath with fresh water,
and the seeds they bring are nice.
Nights are cold, but lights are bright
and they twinkle everywhere.
It looks like stars decided to alight
on trees and houses from the air.
It looks to me—far and near—
like something Good is coming here!
Though parts of nature are asleep,
other parts keep watch together—
plants and stars, people and creatures.
Expectancy fills the air,
as if we are waiting for something.
Children come out in the snow to play,
all rosy and dressed for a winter day.
They gather greenery, seedpods, and cones—
(much as we do when we build our homes).
I wonder what they are going to make?
A bright-eyed girl and boy look my way.
I start to fly… then I hear the girl say,
“Hello, little bird. Here’s a present for you.
Do you know tomorrow is Christmas Day?”
The boy says, “Merry Christmas to you
and your friends, too!”
I like the peanut butter and seeds they pressed
into the pinecones they hang from a branch.
Now I’ll fly to the highest tree
and sing a song of light shining in darkness,
making me feel warm in the cold.
I’ll sing of a future where newness unfolds,
of seeds waiting patiently within the earth,
holding hope for us all—even little birds.
I’ll make my song with God—who lives!
I’ll wing my flight with God—who lifts!
I’ll listen to the glorious sounds,
for Heaven’s love is all around.
Christmas has come!
-Catherine Lawton
Words and Illustrations (photos of pages) excerpted from Something Is Coming To Our World: How a Backyard Bird Sees Christmas (Cladach Publishing, copyright 2021).
Following The Star Into the New Year
In January we celebrate Epiphany and the coming of the Magi to visit Jesus. Like them, many of us feel we are on a long journey following a star that is sometimes bright and shining, sometimes completely hidden yet still guiding us towards Christ. 2022 taught us important lessons that will shape the coming year. We sense God wants to do something new in our lives and we want to follow in the right direction.
Join Lilly Lewin and Christine Sine online Saturday, January 7th 2023 from 9:30 am PT to 12:30pm PT as they help us reflect on the past year and take time to hope, dream and pray for the year ahead. We will engage in some fun practices like chalking the door and interact with each other in ways that strengthen our faith and draw us closer to God.
Click here to register! We are once again offering several price points to aid those who are students or in economic hardship.
The Awe and Wonder of Christmas
by Carol Dixon
I am not usually lost for words (my husband of 52 years can vouch for that) but this Advent I have been dumbstruck with awe and wonder as I contemplate the coming of the Christ Child at Christmas.
I didn’t feel like that at all a couple of weeks ago when I felt far away from God and was facing two emergency blood transfusions due to a seriously low blood count which had somehow been missed by the medical profession despite a number of phone calls – and I called out in my distress to my Godspacelight friends who enfolded me in their love and prayers. Thankfully the long-term outcome is good and I am due to have regular intravenous iron infusions and monthly blood checks until I see my stoma specialist in February. Throughout the scary emergency the prayers of others have enabled me to draw close to God again. So thank you all.
Your prayers and the transfusions meant I was also well enough to lead our church’s Worship on Wednesday (which we call WoW) before the Lay Preachers and Worship Leaders Advent Gathering. I based the service on John 1: The Prologue, that wonderful cosmic beginning to the fourth gospel. (If you want to read the essence of what I said you can find it in my Godspacelight reflection called The Word. Our service was also infused with music including some of the lovely Christmas songs by The Monks of Weston Priory, used with their permission and blessing, and some lovely prayers from CAFOD as well as Sheila Hamil’s wonderful song ‘In the beginning‘.
The service began with words from the first letter of John from the Good News Bible:
We write to you about the Word of life, which has existed from the very beginning. We have heard it, and we have seen it with our eyes; yes, we have seen it, and our hands have touched it. 2 When this life became visible, we saw it; so we speak of it and tell you about the eternal life which was with the Father and was made known to us. 3 What we have seen and heard we announce to you also, so that you will join with us in the fellowship that we have with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. 4 We write this in order that your joy may be complete.
This was followed by the beautiful ancient hymn ‘Of the Father’s love begotten’
Of the Father’s love begotten, ere the world’s began to be,
He is Alpha and Omega, he the source, the ending he,
Of the things that are, that have been
And that future years shall see, evermore and evermore.
By his word was all created: he commanded and ‘twas done,
Earth and sky and boundless ocean, universe of Three in One,
All that sees the moon’s soft radiance,
all that breathes beneath the sun, evermore and evermore.
Let the heights of heaven adore him; angel hosts, his praises sing;
Powers, dominions, bow before him, and extol our God and King;
Let no tongue on earth be silent, every voice in concert sing,
Evermore and evermore. [Words: Prudentius (348 – c413)]
We ended with Christina Rosetti’s well known poem ‘Love came down at Christmas’ to the tune Garten.
Love came down at Christmas,
Love all lovely, Love Divine,
Love was born at Christmas,
Star and Angels gave the sign.
Worship we the Godhead,
Love Incarnate, Love Divine,
Worship we our Jesus,
But wherewith for sacred sign?
Love shall be our token,
Love be yours and love be mine,
Love to God and all men,
Love for plea and gift and sign.
The Holy Spirit was so strongly present during the whole service that at the end there was a kind of ‘holy hush’ as we were all held in the moment. Amazing what God does when all we have to offer him is our weakness.
Another ancient hymn that has spoken to me over the past few weeks is ‘O come, O come Emmanuel’ with its haunting melody. (There is an amazing version of it in Hebrew by Anna Hawkins on YouTube) and the verse which really resonated with me is ‘O come thou Dayspring, come and cheer our spirits by thine Advent here. Disperse the gloomy clouds of night and death’s dark shadows put to flight. ‘ There is so much tragedy & poverty and worry & complaining in our world at present which seems to sound a death knell to joy and hope it is so good to remember that Jesus is our Dayspring – our light in the darkness that nothing can put out. Joni Erickson Tada* in her book ‘A Christmas Longing’ says of this verse: ‘There’s a kind of longing in those words, isn’t there? They are words that could come right out of the depths of your heart when you feel captive by doubt or despair. Maybe you feel your own life could be sung in a minor key just now … But there is more to that song! A triumphant chorus which echoes ‘Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee’ That is the hope that Christmas gives.’
So my prayer for you this Christmas is a prayer of blessing and a song from the Monks of Weston Priory.
May love be the gift you give and receive
May peace be the wrapping that enfolds you
May hope be the flame that burns in your hearts
And joy be the blessing that upholds you.
And may the living word of God fill (y)our lives
this Advent season and always. Amen
© Carol Dixon 2022
Deep into the stillness of night
Deep, deep into the stillness of night,
when the earth slept,
intense with calm and expectation,
the Dawn rose and with light of day,
Word of our God leapt from heaven,
bringing new wholeness and peace:
Emmanuel.
Now, now shall the desert bloom
and the parched land rejoice with flower and song.
The glory of God shall be for all to see:
strength to the hands that are feeble,
courage to those clothed in fear,
our God is near.
Opened shall be the eyes of the blind:
now the deaf shall hear and the lame leap for joy;
let sorrow flee, no longer mourning death,
filled with the joy of this new day:
God has become one with us in Jesus,
the Christ.
© 1978 The Benedictine Foundation of the State of Vermont, Inc
Nativity picture by Sian Dixon aged 5
*A Christmas Longing by Joni Erickson Tada publ. by Scripture Press ISBN 1-8762059-59-7
Following The Star Into the New Year
In January we celebrate Epiphany and the coming of the Magi to visit Jesus. Like them, many of us feel we are on a long journey following a star that is sometimes bright and shining, sometimes completely hidden yet still guiding us towards Christ. 2022 taught us important lessons that will shape the coming year. We sense God wants to do something new in our lives and we want to follow in the right direction.
Join Lilly Lewin and Christine Sine online Saturday, January 7th 2023 from 9:30 am PT to 12:30pm PT as they help us reflect on the past year and take time to hope, dream and pray for the year ahead. We will engage in some fun practices like chalking the door and interact with each other in ways that strengthen our faith and draw us closer to God.
Click here to register! We are once again offering several price points to aid those who are students or in economic hardship.
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