11/26/2017
Romans 15:3-11
Chris Breslin
“Advent is an invitation to plunge into the deep, dark waters of our worst world, knowing that when we re-surface for air we will encounter the hopeful, hovering Spirit of God. For when we dive into the depths of our worst world, we reach a critical point at which our chocolate and pageants no longer satiate our longing for hope – and we are liberated by this realization. Indeed, the light of true hope is found in the midst of darkness.” –Christena Cleveland, Advent/Darkness
Ta-Nahisi Coates’ interview on Late Night with Stephen Colbert (Oct 2, 2017)
“Hope” is the thing with feathers –
That perches in the soul –
And sings the tune without the words –
And never stops – at all –“
-Emily Dickinson
“Adoption shows us that there are habits we can practice that allow us to belong to one another.” –Kelley Nikondeha, Adopted: the Sacrament of Belonging in a Fractured World
Scripture
This Sunday’s Songs
No Hard Feelings by Avett/Avett/Crawford
Now Thank We All Our God by Rinkart/Krüger
Praise the Savior, Now and Ever by Fortunatus/Moore
Alive by Hoisington/Jordan/Leonard
Come, For the Feast is Spread by Burton/Gordon
Jesus Spreads His Banner O’er Us by Park/Barthélémon
Doxology
Further Reading for Advent
Light Upon Light: A Literary Guide to Prayer for Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany edited by Sarah Arthur
Cardiphonia Resources for Advent compiled by Bruce Benedict
God is in the Manger by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Oak Church Advent Resources compiled by Chris Breslin
Living the Christian Year: Time to Inhabit the Story of God by Bobby Gross
Mary Had a Baby: An Advent Bible Study Based on African American Spirituals by Cheryl Kirk-Duggan & Marilyn Thornton
Song of the Stars: A Christmas Story by Sally Lloyd-Jones
Silence and Other Surprising Invitations of Advent by Enuma Okoro
Unwrapping the Greatest Gift: A Family Celebration of Christmas by Ann Voskamp
Advent Calendar (poem) by Rowan Williams
God With Us edited by Gregory Wolfe
