Tag Archives: Advent

Guest post — Carol Hallman, thoughts for Advent

Posted on December 14, 2022 by Maren

(I am so grateful to Carol for these mid-Advent thoughts) It feelsAs if itsToo soon Too soonTo be almostChristmas Too soonFor the childTo be born Too soonThe cookiesAren’t made Too soonThe giftsAren’t bought    (or mailed!) Too soonWe justAren’t ready Yet … Continue reading →

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Advent gifts

Posted on December 11, 2022 by Maren

My daughter gave me, hand-me-down,perfect-fit-for-me boots …and they were warm as toast(without the jam and stuffthough walking the dog I am bound to getsticky, but, well … never mind.) I almost didn’t bring themon the airplane to Maine, too heavy,and … Continue reading →

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Guest Post from Todd Jenkins

Posted on December 16, 2021 by Maren

I am so glad for Todd’s gift to me of this re-written carol! Three Holy CitiesTune: St Louis (Lewis Henry Redner, 1868)Meter 8.6.8.6.7.6.8.6  O Nazareth of Galilee,the home of Mary, strong,and Lizzy’s nameless small hometown,our hearts for you do long;where … Continue reading →

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The Innkeeper’s Night Before Christmas

Posted on December 17, 2020 by Maren

( for a little light-hearted story-telling fun) ‘T was the night before census and all through my innthere were merchants and pilgrims – what a crowd, what a din! The soldiers of Rome were all playing at dice.They drink my … Continue reading →

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Who is Leaping?

Posted on December 9, 2020 by Maren

We call this sunday, “Joy,”because Luke, (as gospel writer,not as physician, )introduces Mary’s song of justicewith an incident from her visitto cousin Elizabethwith her much-awaited and longed-formenopausal pregnancy. The baby moves,and most people who have given birthrealize the shift is … Continue reading →

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Your Sanctuary Misses You (A letter)

Posted on December 5, 2020 by Maren

I miss you a lot – I miss the organvibrating under my floor,an anthem that tickles the ceiling.I miss being splashed with baptism,the grit of rice,the weight of the casketwhen you let a loved one go. I miss the smell … Continue reading →

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Guest Post by Magdalena I. García “Keeping watch” / “Vigilando”

Posted on December 3, 2020 by Maren

An Advent prayer inspired by Mark 13 and the call to keep watch. / Una oración de Adviento inspirada por Marcos 13 y el llamado a estar vigilanges Visit her here http://justleros.blogspot.com/…/keeping-watch-vigilando… Two orchids sit on my kitchen tableand I’m … Continue reading →

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Guest Post …. Hope by Karen Wallin Usas

Posted on November 24, 2020 by Maren

During this year 2020, we all have seen many posts, satires, scary stories and cartoons displaying our anxiety as well as our dreams for a better tomorrow. I think the one word that stands out for me in all this … Continue reading →

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Christmas Eve at the Epsom Circle McDonald’s and Other Poems

Posted on November 16, 2020 by Maren

I am excited to announce my new seasonal book, Christmas Eve at the Epsom Circle McDonald’s and Other Poems. A few years ago I experienced a “bun and run” Christmas Eve at that New Hampshire establishment before rushing off to … Continue reading →

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Caroling in a Coronavirus Time

Posted on November 6, 2020 by Maren

Some of us may fear that caroling is not something we can do in this time. Think again! It is the visit and the music that is important for the recipient; it is the visiting and the music that is … Continue reading →

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