Through Stained Glass: Advent Word a Day - Dream

 Dream 

 I’ve always been a dreamer. 

 During my childhood, when my siblings were away at school, my imagination served as my closest companion. Utilizing my toys and stuffed animals, I animated them through the narratives that emerged within me. This solitary time afforded me the opportunity to delve into my inner world, breathing life into that which was unattainable in the realm of reality. 

 As an Enneagram 4, taking time to dream is essential to me. Even those around me perceive the daydreams as being disconnected or aloof. One of our gifts [Enneagram 4s] is our ability to perceive multiple layers of reality. As a result, we often long for deeper beauty, deeper meaning, and deeper experience. 

 This is one of the reasons I cherish the prophetic literature in our Sacred Text. The prophets continually guide us toward God’s hopeful dreams for the world. This vision imagines a just and peaceful world where gratitude melts away our anxiety and generosity shines brighter than greed. God dreams of a time when love and mutual respect unite all of humanity, and we truly cherish the profound beauty of creation. 

 Advent is the season we pay attention to our dreams. I love that Jesus’s father, Joseph, was a dreamer. Every time I read Joseph’s story in the Advent season, I think of this Thomas Merton quote: 

 “Sooner or later, if we follow Christ we have to risk everything in order to gain everything. We have to gamble on the invisible and risk all that we see and taste and feel. But we know the risk is worth it, because there is nothing more insecure than this transient world.” 

 Joseph took a brave leap of faith when he embraced his divine dream, dedicating himself to protecting the infant Jesus and Mary from Herod. By saying ‘yes’ to God, Joseph made courageous choices in light of God’s revelations for his life, guiding him towards a wonderfully unexpected journey that veered away from his original plans. 

 Today’s photo showcases students having a wonderful time on our lawn during the final day of The Center for Creativity & Community! I always dreamed of creating a special space where students can freely explore their inner worlds through art and foster a sense of community together. I’m grateful to all the volunteers, snackers, and anyone who donated items to see this dream come to fruition. 

 Take time this Advent season to dream. How is God inviting you to take courageous steps in your own journey of faith this Advent season? 

 Also, what are some dreams you have for yourself? What dream vacation do you want to take? What dreams do you have about the idea you’ve been cooking up? What dreams do you have for our church? Our community? Our country? 

 Pay attention to your dreams. And I pray that you find the courage to name it out loud … taking a leap of faith that dreams can come true.

Through Stained Glass: Advent Word a Day -- Repair

Repair 

 My Grandpa Quine could fix anything. 

 I swear. 

 It wasn’t uncommon that when something in the house went awry – the dishwasher, furnace, or anything electrical – we called my Grandpa first. If he couldn’t repair it, we knew we were in trouble. 

 One of my favorite photos of Grandpa shows him and my dad kneeling, tools strewn about, as they look under the blade of my dad’s tractor. It beautifully illustrates his craftsmanship. When I say this man could repair anything, I truly mean it. Once, I had a golf club break, and when he found it in the trash, he brought it home and welded the head back onto the shaft. Admittedly, it broke after just a couple of uses, but I was impressed by his ability to repair it, even if only for a short time. 

 My Grandpa had a way of seeing things and not giving up on them. My dad tells a story of when he was little, and my Grandpa started an archery club for the neighborhood kids. Not for any other reason but to give these kiddos something to do while teaching them lessons about life through archery. And guess what? He even made my dad arrows! ARE. YOU. KIDDING. ME!

Advent reminds me that God does not give up on us. Throughout history, as our Christian story has it, God moved toward humanity to bring healing and repair, usually to messes we created. I love what theologian Anne Stewart offers when writing about the Zepheniah reading from Sunday: 

 To this hurting people, God promises a new world: “The LORD has taken away the judgments against you, he has turned away your enemies. The king of Israel, the LORD, is in your midst; you shall fear disaster no more” (Zephaniah 3:15)…. Not only does God’s presence bring a joy that casts out fear, but it also brings the restoration of justice and aid to the poor: “I will save the lame and gather the outcast, and I will change their shame into praise and renown in all the earth” (Zephaniah 3:19b). 

God’s presence brings a new way of life in which the way people relate to God and one another is fundamentally different. 

 During Advent, I’ve been looking for joy in relationships, creation, and all the ordinary moments in between. I want to follow my Grandpa’s example and see that what I think is beyond repair can take on new life! 

 I like that Advent, through the writings of the prophets, reminds us that we aren’t broken beyond repair. We can be restored like a broken tractor deck or a golf club. It takes work, though. My Grandpa took time to examine whatever was broken, consider the tools he had, and then execute a well-thought-out plan to repair it. 

 Yes, things are messy. Some of our national policies need fixing. However, the Scriptures remind me that healing can occur with a little imagination, faith as tiny as a mustard seed, and a readiness to undergo repair!

Through Stained Glass: Advent Word a Day: Journey & Peacemaker

   Journey & Peacemaker 

 On Sunday, I included a photo and a poem in the bulletin. The poem is by David Whyte, and it is “Santiago.” The artwork is a wood engraving by artist Hilary Paynter, titled “Glimpses.” A phrase in both readings sums up the connection to the scripture texts: prepare the way. 

 In Malachi, the phrase is located in verse 1 of chapter: See, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me, and the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple. The messenger of the covenant in whom you delight--indeed, he is coming, says the LORD of hosts. 

 In Luke, the phrase is in chapter 3, verse 4: … as it is written in the book of the words of the prophet Isaiah, "The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: 'Prepare the way of the Lord; make his paths straight.” 

 Both point toward renewal. God is moving toward wholeness; part of that preparation process includes change. God's movement is not one of punishment but restoration and renewed life. Our journey with God toward becoming a new creation involves repentance, a turning toward life, and liberation. 

 My faith journey feels ever-evolving. It's like a winding trail with both challenging sections and clear markers guiding the way. Throughout my growth in faith, there are moments when I can experience the peace that God promises. Yet, at other times, the destination remains concealed by the mountain’s peak and the tall trees above. The glimpse of the promised places gives me hope along the way. 

Ancient stone portal
points to hazy mystery
one step at a time
by Cathy M

 During this Advent season, Malachi and Luke have inspired me to reflect on my preparations. In what ways am I participating with the prophets to ensure that the path of love is accessible for God’s creation? Am I permitting the Holy Spirit to transform me into the individual God has called me to be? The poetic language used by the authors suggests that we will not remain unchanged. The journey alters us, revealing glimpses of what we anticipate and enabling us to experience it along the way. 

 Preparing the pathway for the Holy One necessitates acting as peacemakers. The scripture readings from Sunday encourage us to reflect on our relationships: with God, our neighbors—including nature—and with ourselves. How do we express love towards our neighbors, ourselves, and creation? This understanding of interconnectedness implies that, as a peacemaker, I must regard the broader world as my neighborhood and acknowledge that we are all integral members of the same human family. 

 We are more aware of our connectedness than ever before. I once heard peacemaking is defined as a justice model that focuses on healing relationships and restoring communities rather than punishment. I think Shane Claiborne says it best when he wrote in the book “Common Prayer: A Liturgy for Ordinary Radicals,”: 

“Peace is not just about the absence of conflict; it’s also about the presence of justice. … A counterfeit peace exists when people are pacified or distracted or so beat up and tired of fighting that all seems calm. But true peace does not exist until there is justice, restoration, forgiveness. Peacemaking doesn’t mean passivity. It is the act of interrupting injustice without mirroring injustice, the act of disarming evil without destroying the evildoer, the act of finding a third way that is neither fight nor flight but the careful, arduous pursuit of reconciliation and justice. It is about a revolution of love that is big enough to set both the oppressed and the oppressors free.” 

 Peacemaking is essential to the ministry of the church. Of course, it is rooted in Jesus’ ministry, especially in the beatitudes: Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God. [Matthew 5.9] To be a peacemaker means to be committed to our neighbors, honoring everyone’s inherent dignity, and seeking to build a harmonious relationship with all of God’s creation. 

 Isn’t the journey of becoming a peacemaker significant as well? It encompasses peacekeeping and fostering environments where conflicts can be resolved in honest and brave ways. Additionally, it involves establishing policies and practices aimed at achieving both individual and collective liberation, ensuring smooth pathways for everyone [to use the language of Malachi and John]. 

 Advent is a journey. It is also a time to become peacemakers. While the road or the way of the journey might be rocky, even traveling long distances in the wilderness, the goal is the promised land of God’s wholeness. God invites us to prepare a “smooth way” for the journey ahead. 

 So, friends and fellow peacemakers on this Advent journey, may we “Prepare the Way!” and choose the better path, the way of our God, leading us into deeper and fuller life today and always.

Mel A shared this for today's word, peacemaker.

Glimpse by Hilary Paynter

Through Stained Glass: Advent Word-A-Day -- Together & Embrace

 Together & Embrace 

 At least once during the photo-a-day journey, I get behind. So, this post is a two-for-one. 

 The first photo is for ‘together.’ I took the other night at Kirk Night. A few weeks back, I invited the Wednesday night group to come up with an advent candle-lighting liturgy for the first two weeks of the season. All I asked is that they do it together. The photo captures two of our church friends offering a blessing to each other. We entered a sacred space together, witnessed each other’s hopes, and encouraged each other to “hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for the One who promised is faithful." And we danced ... check it out in this poem!

Let it be said: you—whoever you are—have a place here. You belong, and I (Adam) genuinely believe that the Divine finds joy in you. So, understand this, my friend: if you're seeking a space where you won't feel alone—a space connected by love—come and join us. Together is better anyway!

 A friend of the church, who has been joyfully participating in the photo-a-day challenge, shared one of her beautiful moments with her family together. 

 Today, they sent another one embracing a family member with a hug. Did you know hugs are good for us? Of course, asking permission to hug someone, especially if we don’t know them well, is essential. Hugging deepens our sense of connection and can help reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness. 

 Embracing your Doggo or Catto yields similar benefits! 

 My photo for *embrace* features an Owl perched in a Tree with a beautiful December sky behind it. 

 Here’s the deal: I wouldn’t have gotten this photo without December or late fall. After spotting the Owl, it would have flown into the Tree, and I would have lost sight of Them. Instead, by embracing the seasons, knowing when to grow and when to let go, the Tree was free of leaves. Embrace the opportunity for growth – and for rest – for hibernation – and regeneration. 

 As I stood observing this magnificent Bird of Prey, I felt peace. And I pray that in the days ahead, you experience, know, encounter, create, cultivate – peace – as one season gives way to the next.

Through Stained Glass: Advent Word a Day--Go

Go 

 The green from this little plant caught my eye this afternoon.

 I purchased it a few years ago. It’s pretty easy to entertain, and it rarely complains. I like how this little one stretches and moves to follow the sun. 

 There are moments when I find myself wishing to be a cozy houseplant. I often reflect on my life through that lens. Am I soaking up enough sunlight, getting the right amount of water, and receiving all the nutrients I need? Am I letting go of the old leaves to make room for fresh ones? If I were a houseplant, I believe God would be right there, nurturing me and tending to the soil and the environment around me so that I can flourish. 

 Prayer creates a time and space for the Holy to witness my life, allowing me to notice the Sacred. Advent is when we tend to our inner flame, carefully nurturing and sustaining a small, flickering light throughout this season, embodying the anticipation and hope for the coming of the Christ. And because the Christ child has already been born, we find ways to answer the question, “What is trying to be born that requires a radical reorientation of our vision? What is the new thing that is trying to emerge from deep within us and from deep within the collective soul of our community?” 

 Today’s word is ‘Go.’ I’m unsure how I connect ‘go’ with the plant and the invitation to pray. Perhaps it’s my cold talking, but the green made me think of the word ‘go.’ Go and pray, go and wait, go and hope, go and prepare, go and tell it on the mountains, go and rest, go and love. Let go of whatever may prevent you from hearing the angels singing – and the infant’s cry that will remind us, “God is with us, and we are with God.” 

 Go.

 

One of our parishioners knows how to go on adventures!
I always enjoy it when they share their stories with us and 
the pictures of the many places they visit. 

Through Stained Glass: Advent Word a Day -- Remember

 

Remember 

 Every week, we remember our baptism and give thanks. 

 A practice that reminds us of who and whose we are – that in this life and the one to come, we belong, entirely and wholly, to Love. 

 When we celebrate the eucharist, I utter those words that take us back into that upper room with Jesus and the disciples: …do this in remembrance of me. 

 In Greek, the word is
. 

 And it means more than what it means for us today. In the context of Scripture, anamnesis has an active force that what ‘remembrance’ conveys. 

 Instead of remember and more like re-member. 

 Or less like represent and more like re-present. 

 See the difference? The hyphenated one has an energy to it, right? Both re-member and re-present indicate something happening in the present. 

 When we re-member our baptism, it isn’t about us sorting through memories. Instead, it is about us emerging from the waters of creation with the Triune God of Love. 

 When we re-member while breaking bread and sharing cup, Christ's living mystical body is being made present to us. 

 I believe, in the mystical ways of our faith, both re-memberings draw us into the fullness of beloved community: the Trinity. 

 Baptism is about God. Words often used are incorporation and inclusion. I do not find issue with these words. But I first think of another ‘I’ word: incarnation. As the Spirit hovered over and within the waters of creation, the Spirit enters us in our baptisms. 

Baptism is our original blessing ! And it is the original blessing of others, too. We re-member, not for ourselves, but for each other – embodying and embracing the covenant promises we share and make. Remembering [and re-membering, for that matter] our baptism and being thankful is less about chronological time and more about, you guessed it, kairos time! 

 My photo for today hangs on the wall in my study. It is above my degrees and ordination as a Minister of Word and Sacrament into the Presbyterian Church U.S.A. A few years back, my parents found a photo from my baptism. Standing between the minister and my dad is my grandpa, holding me. He has the biggest grin on his face. Do I remember that moment? Of course not. Don’t be silly. But I do remember growing into God’s ‘Yes’ because of those folks at Bethel, especially by my grandpa Quine. 

 Before I’m a minister … a student … etc … 

 I am a beloved child of God, cherished and cared for, good and holy. 

 And so are you!

Through Stained Glass: Advent Word-a-Day 3 -- Courage

 

The first photo was shared by a parishioner who navigated this tight space at Pinnacles National Park. I can see why they chose it for 'courage.'

Tonight, I pray you have the courage to take flight. 

 Or And 

 To shed whatever you’re carrying around that you’ve outgrown. 

 Or And 

 To find the courage to risk setting out on a new adventure. 

 Or And 

 To trust yourself and believe that God loves you exactly as you are. 

 Or And 

 To muster up even the tiniest ounce of courage to finally sing your song. 

 Or And 

 To be courageous enough to rest, basking in the delight of God. 

 Or And 

 To have the courage to expand your wings and see the possibility of what is.

 Or And 

To courageously welcome life’s challenges, obstacles, and hardships and welcome the wisdom they all bring. 

 Or And 

 To demonstrate courage in acknowledging where you were wrong, to ask for forgiveness, and especially courage to forgive. 

 Or And 

 To summon the courage to engage in courageous conversations, sharing, and, most importantly, listening. 

 Or And 

 To not compare your courage to others and to move through the day with patience, humility, and compassion. 

 Or And 

 The courage to be You. 

 That’s my prayer. 

 May it rise, raising us on the wings of Eagles.

Always be yourself

Growing, falling, becoming

Have courage — unfold

Through Stained Glass: Advent Word a Day 2 -- Bless

 

I have a few colleagues who invite others into times of sharing or sacred spaces with this invitation: 

 

“If it blesses you …” 

 For the longest time, I could not wrap my head around what they were inviting. “If it blesses you…” I am still determining its significance. Nonetheless, it implies that if sharing your experience or engaging in a sacred ritual brings you joy or fosters peace, you are invited to be part of this sacred moment. It enables individuals to participate freely without pressuring or coercing others into actions they might not desire. 

 I love it, though. 

 “If it blesses you…” 

 Two years ago, as my cherished Golden Dog, Chloe, was transitioning from this life, I initiated a new practice. Each morning during my prayers, I offered thanks for Baptism and blessed the dogs. I never checked with Cump or Chloe to see if my blessing would resonate with them, yet they always stayed close! This little ritual—reminding me of the Incarnation as the Divine’s affirmation for all creation—was my way of expressing gratitude during her last days: “You have enriched my life with joy, peace, hope, and love throughout our 10.5 years together. You bless me.” She was good. She was a blessing. 

 I admire what Irish priest and poet John O’Donohue said about blessings when he said, “A blessing is a circle of light drawn around a person to protect, heal, and strengthen. Life is a constant flow of emergence. The beauty of a blessing is its belief that it can affect what unfolds.” Reflecting on those who bless me, I can’t help but feel how they reveal a profound love within me. I question whether this is indeed the essence of a blessing. Once more, I think of O’Donohue’s words, “When you bless someone, you truly activate the force of their infinite self.” Isn’t that what we mean when we say to others, “You are a blessing in my life?” 

 “If it blesses you…” 

 When I say my morning prayer, I continue to bless the dogs. This ritual deepens my sense of interdependence with everything around me, pulling me into a sacred space where joy can flourish. Advent is when we prepare for the arrival of Love’s ‘YES’ to everyone – because everything belongs. Today, take a moment to bless others and receive blessings in return. Learning to embrace joy is a vital practice within the spiritual journey. It reinforces our faith in God, highlights the magnificence of creation, and solidifies our reliance on the Divine. It acknowledges the present's beauty and expresses our assurance in a beautiful future. It also recognizes God's mercy and love. 

 Of course, if it blesses you to do so…

If it blesses you

take off your shoes, breathe deeply

what's hidden is joy.

Through Stained Glass: Advent Word-a-Day -- Begin

 

Begin 

Today, we begin Advent. It is the season of hope, peace, joy, and love. The time for waiting, expecting, celebrating, and anticipating. We begin by acknowledging that the face of Love made known in Jesus of Nazareth has happened. We join our voices with an angelic chorus singing, “Gloria in excelsis deo.” 

We remember this moment when, once again, the Divine enters history, growing into the voice of Love heard worldwide. 

 This season brings us so much hope! As Fall transitions into Winter and the days grow shorter, we can believe that this might be the moment for extraordinary changes: hearts that have been so hurt can begin to open up, healing can take place, those who have faced injustices will finally see their voices heard, our communities will create courageous spaces for all, and love will set all of creation free. 

 Advent marks the time when we begin to dream anew. We embrace the prophets' poetry, answering their plea to embrace mercy and love. This is the moment we face the darkness, inviting Her life-giving presence and tuning in to the concealed voice of Love within. 

 Tonight, I begin a new journal. This little book holds special significance. A dear friend gifted it to me, saying, "I got you this small journal for your haikus.” They presented it to me over a month ago, and I’ve been awaiting the perfect moment to write on its blank pages. I can’t imagine a more suitable time to begin than on this first day of Advent. 

 Let’s begin again 

Hoping while we wait, praying, 

Come, Emmanuel