Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany
Advent, the beginning of the church year, starts on the fourth Sunday before Christmas. It is a time of preparation, anticipation, and hope. Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, the "Light of the World." Epiphany on January 6, also called "Three Kings Day," is the climax of the Christmas season for Protestants.
- ‹‹Previous
- 1
- 2
- 3
- Next››
1-10 of 24
Road Construction Ahead: Advent Reflection on Mission Work in Africa
Second Sunday of Advent, December 7, 2008
by Paul L. Webster
Scriptures: Isaiah 40:1-11; Psalm 85: 1-2, 8-13; II Peter 3:8-15a; Mark 1: 1-8
In Zambia, as in much of Africa, we are constantly dealing with simply getting from point A to point B. More than once, I have had our project's Toyota Land Cruiser break through a bridge deck and nearly roll over into a river. Our project workers and I have spent hours unloading cargo and hand carrying them up hills too slippery and rough to ascend with a loaded vehicle. Of course, most Africans don't even have motor vehicles and consider themselves lucky to have a bicycle. Read more ...
Mary's Cradle: Advent Reflection on Ministry in Appalachia
Third Sunday of Advent, December 14, 2008
by Kathleen Masters
Scriptures: Isaiah 64: 1-4, 8-11; 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-24; John 1: 6-8, 19-28; Psalm 126: 4-6
The phone call from the physical therapist came hours before we were scheduled to open. She wanted to refer a grandmother who was caring for three special-needs grandsons under the age of four. Before I could finish with the case worker, my other line rang and it was the grandmother, searching for shoes and blankets for "her boys." Read more ...
A Chosen Vessel: Advent Reflection on God's Call
Fourth Sunday of Advent, December 21, 2008
by Sherlette LeeScriptures: 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16; Luke 1:47-55; Romans 16: 25-27; Luke 1:26-38
Of the women in the Bible, Mary captures my imagination. I find something very special about her for having been the woman who brought Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God, into the physical world. I often wonder what it was like to be the mother of Jesus. The mother of the most High God! Read more ...
God Sang: A Christmas Meditation from Latin America
First Sunday of Christmas, December 28, 2008
by Eunice Arias
On November 15, 2008, God sang in Costa Rica. God sang because more than 40 women from 11 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean were loudly rejoicing for what they've learned, shared and lived during a most amazing week together at the Universidad Bíblica Latinoamericana (Latin America Biblical University), an ecumenical institution. Read more ...
Remember Where Our Hope Truly Lies: Advent Reflection on Mark 13
First Sunday of Advent, November 30, 2008
by Andrew Payne
Scriptures: Isaiah 64:1-9; Psalm 80: 1-7, 17-19; I Corinthians 1: 3-9; Mark 13:24-37
As I am writing this, I am watching a news broadcast about the failing economy. Worries about banks failing, war, and environmental collapse seem to bubble up in many of my conversations. With such chaos around me, I have found it difficult to know how to hope, and in what to place my hope. Read more
Alternative Giving Ideas
Gifts of Love: Christmas, birthdays, anniversaries, retirement, births... Many occassions call for celebration. Honor someone in your life with a gift to mission.
Advent and Christmas Resources from United Methodist Women
Reflections, meditations, and devotionals by Linda Douglas Smith and Glory E. Dharmaraj, Ph.D.
Read more ...UMCOR Christmas Wish List 2008
Gifts that serve others honor the birth of Jesus and show our concern for the whole family of God. Read more....Christ-Centered Advent and Christmas Music
Listen to over twenty-five favorite hymns for Advent and Christmas. The music is in midi format. Read more...Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany Features
A variety of Global Ministries resources from past years, including missionary stories, meditations, and reflections. Read more...- ‹‹Previous
- 1
- 2
- 3
- Next››
1-10 of 24
