Mary the mother of Jesus, and Elizabeth the mother of John the Baptist, kept each other company as they shared the miracle of motherhood. One a woman well past childbearing age and the other a virgin, they could each appreciate the hand of God on them and could acknowledge the truth of His handiwork in their lives. We too can support each other as a church family, and to reach out in support of those around us who need proof of God's love and healing help in times of trouble. It is at Christmas that we celebrate the birth of our Savior who came to us so that we can welcome him into our lives every day.

The Scripture references are Micah 5:2-5a, Psalm 80:1-7, and Hebrews 10:5-10. The Gospel reference is Luke 1:39-45(46-55).

Being receptive to joy takes some readiness, but at this Advent season we are preparing ourselves to be ready to welcome the One who took on our humanity to give us His divinity.

The Scripture references are Zephaniah 3:14-20, Canticle 9 (The First Song of Isaiah) Isaiah 12:2-6, and Philippians 4:4-7. The Gospel reference is Luke 3:7-18.

The lessons today tell us we are to clear a path for God to enter our lives, which He so desires to do. We need to remove the impediments that keep God out. We are children of promise, God's promise, and by opening our lives to transforming grace we open ourselves to the possibility that our hearts and our world can be a place for Jesus to live in us and abide with us always.

The Scripture references are Malachi 3:1-4, The Song of Zechariah (Luke 1:68-79), and Philippians 1:3-11. The Gospel reference is Luke 3:1-6.

We can miss so much when we rush through life, especially in the holiday season. Advent allows us to pause, to prepare, and to experience the expectation and hope of the birth of Jesus. Where is God inviting you to slow down, stop, and breathe?

The Scripture references are Jeremiah 33:14-16, Psalm 25:1-9, and 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13. The Gospel reference is Luke21:25-36.

We can miss so much when we rush through life, especially in the holiday season. Advent allows us to pause, to prepare, and to experience the expectation and hope of the birth of Jesus. Where is God inviting you to slow down, stop, and breathe?

The Scripture references are Jeremiah 33:14-16, Psalm 25:1-9, and 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13. The Gospel reference is Luke21:25-36.

Christ's kingdom is unlike any historic earthly kingdom or established church. Saint Julian of Norwich wrote that she saw Christ as a king "reigning in the soul." As we come to the end of another liturgical year, let us give thanks to God and to His Son and lay our blessings before His throne.

The Scripture references are Daniel 7:9-10,13-14, Psalm 93, and Revelation 1:4b-8. The Gospel reference is John 18:33-37.

The ancient Greek root of our name for the Lord's Supper, "eucharist", translates as "thanksgiving." Having an attitude of gratitude is a transforming spiritual experience. It allows us to see the limitless opportunity to transform the world in which we live, and to share our many blessings with those around us.

The Scripture references are Joel 2:21-27, Psalm 126, and 1 Timothy 2:1-7. The Gospel reference is Matthew 6:25-33.

As we look around us at the plight of those who have no one to support them, who are suffering from war, famine, or disaster, we must always remember that every life is precious in God's sight. We must strive always in all our actions to live out our Christian call to God's service, and never to lose sight of those whose faith sustains them in the most difficult times. They serve as an example and a lesson for us and a guide to ease the suffering of those we meet.

The Scripture references are 1 Kings 17:8-16, Psalm 146, and Hebrews 9:24-28. The Gospel reference is Mark 12:38-44.

On All Saints Day we remember that we are forever woven together with all the saints - past, present, and future - through our shared baptism into the body of Christ. When we mourn those who have died, we also bear witness to the hope of everlasting life in Jesus Christ. As we worship, let us remember that gathered together we are the saints of today and that our faith in God and His Son will support and sustain us always.

The Scripture references are Deuteronomy 6:1-9, Psalm 119:1-8, and Hebrews 9:11-14. The Gospel reference is Mark 12:28-34.

As we move forward we are called to truly see what God wishes for us. Jesus offers a clear vision of what true life looks like, but too often we turn a blind eye to the possibilities that lie before us. To truly see is not without risk. Let us be like Bartimaeus and when Jesus asks us what we want him to do, answer "My teacher, let me see."

The Scripture references are Jeremiah 31:7-9, Psalm 126, and Hebrews 7:23-28. The Gospel reference is Mark 10:46-52.