I’ve been thinking about those tiny canoes, dancing in front of giant USS nitro. It happened at Christmas, in 1971. The USA was bombing women, children, and hospitals in Vietnam. The Quakers wanted to do something about it. But what could one small group of Friends do in the face of an entireContinue reading “Canoes & the upside-down ways of a coming king”
Tag Archives: Advent
Advent: What to do with the waiting
Advent is almost upon us. That time of the year when we Christians mourn the dark and wait for the light, thankful for the Jesus who came, and longing for him to come again and set everything that is broken to rights. I think there will be lots of longing this year. But I hope weContinue reading “Advent: What to do with the waiting”
Advent songs for Ferguson
I’ve been reading “Radical Reconciliation“, and one of the things the authors talk about is that mega-churches are now some of the most diverse churches in America. (“Diverse” means that there’s at least 25% people who aren’t white who attend…the percentage might actually be smaller than that, I don’t remember. And it doesn’t refer toContinue reading “Advent songs for Ferguson”
FREE Advent Music
I love Christmas music. In our family we *gasp!* always started listening in November every year, because no one in South Africa celebrates Thanksgiving and summer holidays start the first week of December. (This means you’ve been in a Christmas play and covering cardboard Christmas trees in green glitter for a month by the time DecemberContinue reading “FREE Advent Music”
And then I wrote a Kindle book.
In just about three weeks, the season of Advent will be upon us. It’s one of my favorite seasons. When I was younger I loved it because I loved Christmas, and any build-up to Christmas was just part of the magic. More recently I’ve loved it because it’s an opportunity to intentionally reflect on someContinue reading “And then I wrote a Kindle book.”
Fear not
I was given some magazines this week put out by a prominent evangelical organization. The covers of each of them (accompanied by full cover photos of explosions, fire, and swords read): “Is Islam really a religion of peace?” (Photo of a bloody sword) “Crisis After Crisis, who can save us?- Pestilence as Ebola Spreads, OppressionContinue reading “Fear not”
Peace Walls (Advent week 3)
We sing peace on earth goodwill toward men at Christmas. We celebrate Jesus the Prince of Peace. But what do we mean when we say peace? Shalom in the Bible is wholeness, perfect order, everything in right relationship with everything else. Like a huge garment, with every thread woven in place and connected to everyContinue reading “Peace Walls (Advent week 3)”
Muck is still muck no matter who sits in it with you (Advent wk2)
So, this week I’m going to be reflecting on the incarnation–the-God-coming-to-earth, God-with-us part of Christmas. But before I get poetic about baby Jesus’ cute fingers, and how amazing it is that God himself would condescend to dwell with us, I’m going to say what it’s not. The incarnation is not just about God experiencing burpsContinue reading “Muck is still muck no matter who sits in it with you (Advent wk2)”
World Aids Day, (Monday, first week in Advent)
Ok folks, I won’t post all the Advent reflections on here. But it’s World AIDS day. I had to say something. 🙂 Then I promise I won’t spam you with any more unless you ask. 🙂 The boots of all those invading troops, along with their shirts soaked with innocent blood, Will be piled inContinue reading “World Aids Day, (Monday, first week in Advent)”
In the Valley where Death casts his shadow, a light has dawned (Advent week 1)
“The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwll in the land of the shadow of death, a light has shined” Isaiah 9:2 I picture it like this, come on, picture it with me: There’s Death, right, and he lives at the top of a cold black mountain made ofContinue reading “In the Valley where Death casts his shadow, a light has dawned (Advent week 1)”
Stephanie Ebert 