Advent teaches us how to live inside a promise that hasn’t yet finished unfolding. The light is thinner. The nights arrive early. We find ourselves listening more carefully, because certainty has loosened its grip. Scripture doesn’t rush to resolve this…
The stilling power of Advent‘s drama
The photo below is not an award-winner, like those of so many highly publicized contests. But it will from this day forward shape my Advent imagination. This photo features Wanda Hernández Murga, coordinator of the Kairos Center, a ministry of…
Letters to Mary: Women are open to the impossible
“Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination full of hope.” — Maya Angelou Dear Mary, This is my final letter to you this season of Advent. Lest we journey too…
Upside Down Advent: Unloved versus loved
Editor’s note: This column includes strong language near the end that may be offensive to some readers. Of all the four themes of Advent, love is the one that seemingly ties a bow around the others — both positively…
Letters to Mary: Women have creative power
Advent shows us something about power that the palace always forgets. Real strength doesn’t powder its face with contempt. The authority that spoke galaxies into being entered the world through a woman’s body and trusted her to say yes. — Derek…
Rich Villodas is waiting for Christmas
Like most of us, Rich Villodas has trouble waiting. His latest book comes from that personal experience he believes will resonate with others in this Advent season of awaiting the birth of the Christ Child. Waiting “is very painful, I…
Upside Down Advent: Joy versus sorrow
Fair warning up front: I’m going to mess with one of your favorite hymns today. Be prepared. But first, a story. As I was writing this lesson, I got a message from a friend whose beloved cat died Thursday. We…
Advent messages urge United Methodists to defend immigrants
As President Donald Trump’s administration has pursued immigration enforcement aggressively this year, The United Methodist Church has intensified multiple avenues of immigrant support. Now United Methodist leaders are using their Advent messages to urge pastors and church members to protect…
It’s always darkest before it goes pitch black; choose hope anyway
If you have someone on your Christmas list who seems too hopeful — who still uses a paper calendar — you might consider a demotivational calendar. On one such 2026 calendar — and you can Google a disappointing number of…
Upside Down Advent: Anxiety versus peace
I had the good fortune to spend three hours in the car with my son Garrett Saturday. He’s our avant garde jazz saxophonist and composer/arranger. He told me about a Substack he’s reading that’s written by a well-known figure in…
Advent mnemonics
I don’t remember when I picked up this handy mental trick. Sixth grade, maybe seventh? My first recollection of using it came during a world geography class. The teacher asked us to memorize the names of European countries’ capitals, many…
Letters to Mary: Women cannot be controlled
“Freeing yourself was one thing, claiming ownership of that freed self was another.” — Toni Morrison Dear Mary, Mother, I grow weary this Advent season; this is a weary world longing to rejoice as the carol sings. I miss the…