Category: Advent 2020

Advent – Day 17 It is more apparent than ever this year that worship can be done at any time and at any place, out of necessity as well as out of choice. One can worship in a cathedral or a small country church. In one’s home or with a large gathering of people. On

Advent – Day 16 Being busy and “productive” is seen as a badge of honor in our society. Taking time to rest is often considered lazy. But we need rest, not just physical rest but mental and emotional rest as well so that we can be the best versions of ourselves. Karri Temple BracketDecember 14,

Advent – Day 15 I don’t “go” willingly into uncomfortable situations in the best of times, much less in a pandemic! Sometimes “going” either physically or even virtually outside of our comfort zone is difficult but it is often required in order to serve others and share the way of love. Karri Temple BrackettDecember 13,

Advent – Day 14 … and it was in my mouth sweet as honey: and as soon as I had eaten it, my belly was bitter.” Today’s Advent reflection was about the season being stressful and bittersweet for many for many reasons and the challenge was to list three simple practices to relieve stress and

Advent – Day 13 Words have power. Power to hurt, to inspire, to devastate, to heal. To reassure, to destroy, to renew. And words can be a great source of comfort; as Scott Gunn notes “The Bible does not magically make suffering go away, but the scriptures can and will provide us with perspective, and

Advent – Day 12 Baptism is a hot topic amongst various denominations – immersion, aspersion, affusion. And for some, baptism can be simply spiritual. Regardless, the significance of baptism remains the same. Faith, obedience, and renewal… Karri Temple BrackettDecember 10, 2020

Advent – Day 11 “Compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone whom it is within one’s power to punish or harm.” That is the definition of mercy. We have all been on the receiving end of mercy at one time or another but still find it so difficult to grant it to others. Lord have mercy,

Advent – Day 10 Being patient is not easy for anyone but I am a particularly impatient person. I do try to slow down and am aware when I am being impatient but often I let it get the better of me and it affects me emotionally and sometimes physically. But, as we have all

Advent – Day 9 Comfort comes in many forms and can be physical or emotional…or both. We both seek comfort from and provide comfort to others. This season, allow yourself to truly be open to giving and receiving “tidings of comfort and joy.” Karri Temple BrackettDecember 7, 2020

Advent – Day 8 I have never been accused of keeping my opinions to myself. These past four years though, I have seen how important it is to speak for those who cannot speak for themselves including the oppressed, the poor, and the disadvantaged. It is our responsibility and our duty as Christians. Karri Temple