Reflection for Boxing Day: The Feast of Stephen

 

St. Stephen
from The Demidoff Altarpiece
Source: Wikimedia commons

Sharing today a reflection on both Boxing Day and The Feast of Stephen, the first Christian Martyr, provided by Rev. Kurt, one of the ministers at the United Church, Sherwood Park, Alberta.  Whether or not you've been out shovelling 'through the rude wind's wild lament and the bitter weather', may it bless your day.  😊

Reflection for Advent as the Nativity Approaches: Steve Bell

 

I bring you tidings of great joy which will come to all the people;

for to you is born this day a Saviour, Christ the Lord.

-- Luke 2: 10-11

Canadian singer-song-writer Steve Bell, who worships with the Anglican congregation of  St. Benedict's Table in Winnipege, in 2020 created a series of three videos of reflection in text and music for Advent.  He is now sharing them for all online.  This is the third in a series of three for this season; may it bless your day.

"Even so, Lord Jesus, come."

Reflection for Advent IV: Steve Bell

 

Canadian singer-song-writer Steve Bell, who worships with the Anglican congregation of  St. Benedict's Table in Winnipege, in 2020 created a series of three videos of reflection in text and music for Advent.  He is now sharing them for all online.  This is the second in a series of three for this season; may it bless your day.

Note: a portion of this particular reflection includes marking the Feast of  John of Kronstadt, a priest of the Orthodox church whose feast day is today (December 20 on the Orthodox calendar).

Reflection for Advent III: In the Whirlwind

Even though this third Sunday in Advent, we're called to be in joyful expectation -- sometimes it's downright hard to be joyful.

To whit: an American friend of mine shared this on Facebook...from her sister's sister-in-law.

"If ever I wished someone would read a post… this is the one.

December 11, 2021 -- 121121

.

I’m not sure I have words adequate for tonight’s post.

I’ve been thinking all day about what I would highlight for the season… and nothing seems right amid the destruction and despair that fills the air.

This morning I posted my usual sunrise walk photos… and added one of a school portrait found in the grass on the side of the path that I take every single morning.

.

I received a text this afternoon about a Facebook Group… ‘Quad State Tornado Found Items’.

.

When I got home I posted the photo to the group and immediately had a message and comment… then more comments…

Aunt Judy

Nana

My mom's cousin.

.

“She lost her life in the tornado. Thanks for sending on.”

.

That photo traveled 150 miles and landed alongside the path I walk every single morning… and I was able to connect with family.

.

Aunt Judy and Uncle Billy lost their lives in the storm.

.

I both hate the universe and love the universe with such intensity right now."

-- (signed) # Christmas Tears

I took particular note of this re: the found photo:

"That photo traveled 150 miles and landed alongside the path I walk every single morning… and I was able to connect with family."

The impact of the tornado. The presence of God (or "the Universe" as expressed in the article) in the life of this person -- and in the lives of those affected -- killed, injured, related to those who were killed/injured, KNOWN by those people.

God is "related" to each and every one of us; God KNOWS each and every one of us...and God's love is shown in the people who are on the ground in the rescue efforts, the recovery efforts, the hospitals and ER rooms and after-math care centres...and in the person who found a photo that was 150 MILES AWAY from home...and stopped, and cared enough to reach out.

Emmanuel. God with us.

Please keep the victims of this extraordinary tragedy in your prayers.

Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. AMEN.

Reflection for Advent II

 Saved from a Facebook post...for your pondering...