Monthly Archives: December 2017

Writing workshop, words from Arlington, Virginia — offer to lead a group in other settings

I led an Advent dated Writing Workshop sponsored by Rock Spring UCC in Arlington, Virginia, with most, but not all, members of that faith community. To make it “of use” (words from a poem of Marge Piercy’s that was given to … Continue reading

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A Christmas Carol — Christmas Eve

“He went to church and walked about the streets and watched the people hurrying to and fro … and found he took pleasure in it all.”A Christmas Carol  God, I haven’t missed it – the listening to Luke’s stories, fruitcake … Continue reading

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Advent — December 23, 2017

(“But he was very light to carry, and his father loved him so, that it was no trouble, no trouble.” Emily Cratchit speaking of her husband Bob and the death of her son Tim in one vision of the Ghost … Continue reading

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Advent — December 22 — Jacob Marley

God, thank you for the jacob marleys in my life, the people who warn me because of their tough times and their mistakes. Many of mine sit in church basements in a circle of chairs and live by twelve steps … Continue reading

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“Lo, how a rose e’er blooming — Advent words for the solstice, from Argentina

For those in the northern hemisphere facing the solstice Gerardo Oberman’s beautiful words bring joy. Since he lives in Argentina — these flowers are around him. Translator Katie Fiegenbaum who is the vegetable manager for a farm wrote this: …  Funny … Continue reading

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Advent — December 21, 2017, the Solstice

God, you find the Tiny Tim inside of everyone — both brokenness and courage. We are absolutely vulnerable and marvelously strong, each needing a circle of love — the corner by the fire, the friend, the family — and also … Continue reading

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Advent — December 20, 2017, Ghost or Gabriel?

God, I am never sure if they are ghosts or angel-messengers that visit. They could tap the calendar in any place — the Ghost of Valentines Past would be a hard visit, and the Ghost of Easter Yet to Come … Continue reading

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Advent — December 19, 2017, A curmudgeon’s chance

God, this draped, warning ghost, of Christmas yet to come is one of my favorite fictions, for it comes to me. It comes to me. It comes to me – it’s not too late! It’s you who come to old … Continue reading

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For the Seattle Train Derailment

God, you ride the rails with hobos and commuters, engineers and conductors, and with so many people seeking holiday destinations. We thank you that you walk among this broken train and in front of frightened drivers. We thank you that … Continue reading

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Advent — December 18, 2017

  (In A Christmas Carol, the Ghost of Christmas Yet to come shows Scrooge a pawn shop where in one possible future the sheets and curtains of his bed and the clothes he died in would be sold)   God, it’s … Continue reading

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