Tag Archives: Advent

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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Wednesday, December 18, 2019 — Festivities of Joy — Lighting the Dark

Posted on December 18, 2019 by Maren

God, for the kindness of lights I am so deeply grateful — for houses with discreet candles or a decorated tree in a window, others with bushes and trees festooned with nets of lights, (the wiggly icicles rimming eves don’t … Continue reading →

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December 10, 2018 — prayer from “The Friendly Beasts”

Posted on December 10, 2018 by Maren

Thus every beast by some glad spell, in the stable dark was glad to tell of the gift they gave Emmanuel, the gift they gave Emmanuel. “The Friendly Beasts,” 12th-century France, current English words, Robert Davis, 1920’s. (additional appreciation – … Continue reading →

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