#AdventWord #Raise When we raise something, we put it above everything else, make it stronger, better, and more noticeable. What is our focus for all the things that we raise in our own lives: children, questions, concerns, taxes, salaries, walls, fences, money, prayers, and more? Isaiah proclaims that the mountain of the Lord’s house “shall be raised above the hills.” It will draw all people and nations to God. Advent echoes this prophecy and offers us the ability to focus and redirect all that we raise up in the present to the future hope and promise of Jesus Christ. Shelagh … Continue reading Advent Word 2019, Day 5 ‘Raise’

#AdventWord #Humble “…do justice…love kindness…walk humbly with your God.” These words from the prophet Micah stand in contrast to the ways of the world, where power and self-importance reign, and humility is seen as weakness. As followers of Jesus we are called to lives of humble service, letting go of ego in order to care for the oppressed, love our enemies, and share Christ’s peace with all. The Rev. Canon Loren Lasch (VTS ’08) is the Diocese of Missouri Canon for Formation and the president of the VTS Alumni Association Executive Committee. The Celtic Cross in St Aidan’s Chapel at … Continue reading Advent Word 2019, Day 4 ‘Humble’

#AdventWord #Visit In Palestine, visits are not planned or coordinated in advance. Guests just show up at your door. In traditional Palestinian houses, there is a saloon designated for guests and always available. The household always has food and drink set aside for such occasions. So, when the guests arrive, they can enjoy their presence. So, we should always be ready for God to visit. Shadia Qubti is manager and lead for faith and development for World Vision in the Jerusalem, West Bank and Gaza branch. The steel nativity in the city of steel ~ Sheffield Cathedral Continue reading Advent Word 2019, Day 2, ‘Visit’