Advent – Mother Nancy's Coffee Thoughts

Now & Not Yet Joy

A sermon preached at St. Francis by the Lake Episcopal Church, Canyon Lake, Texas.The Lectionary readings for the Third Sunday of Advent are here. Joy. Joy to the World. All the boys and girls. Joy to the fishes in the deep blue sea, Joy to you and me … oh, wait, that’s the wrong song.Continue reading “Now & Not Yet Joy”

Prepared

A Sunday reflection.The lectionary readings – and the prayer (collect) for the Fourth Sunday in Advent are here. I first began posting the Sunday prayer from the Book of Common Prayer each week way back in seminary. For each Sunday of the church year there is a prayer designated to fit the theme of theContinue reading “Prepared”

Who Warned You?

A sermon preached at St. Francis by the Lake, Canyon Lake, Texas. The RCL readings for the Third Sunday in Advent are here. I missed y’all last week. I hear that father David really got your attention for the the first bit of John’s message last week, using the traditional way of asking us toContinue reading “Who Warned You?”

Glaciers and Pearls

As I’m adjusting to being again in full-time ministry in a parish and all that brings this time of year, along with moving house, and tending to a senior dog who appears to be declining in health, getting my Tuesday (Wednesday?) posts out is taking more forethought and intentionality. I don’t say any of thisContinue reading “Glaciers and Pearls”

Returning

A Reflection for the Second Sunday in Advent*.The RCL readings are here. Today is the second Sunday in Advent (it isn’t Christmas yet, y’all). And although this Season is about anticipating the coming of Jesus we spend today (and next Sunday) reading about the story of Jesus’ cousin, John. John is considered the last ofContinue reading “Returning”

A Proverbial Journey

Have you ever spent much time pondering the Old Testament book we call Proverbs? I’ll just say upfront, I haven’t. Yes, we read and discussed it in OT class in seminary and I’ve read through it several times as I’ve lead the Bible in 90 Days program in the parishes I’ve served but I’ve neverContinue reading “A Proverbial Journey”

Living Hope

A sermon preached at St. Francis by the Lake Episcopal Church, Canyon Lake, Texas.The Lectionary readings for the First Sunday of Advent are here. If you were here two weeks ago, the gospel reading for today may have sounded familiar. We read Mark’s version of Jesus telling of the destruction of the Temple then andContinue reading “Living Hope”

Love Sings

The theme for the fourth week of Advent is Love. John Lennon sang, “all you need is love.” Bing Crosby sang, “Love makes the world go ‘round.” (Don’t be judging my music choices.) Jesus tells us, “Love the Lord your God with all your passion and prayer and intelligence. This is the most important, theContinue reading “Love Sings”

Joy and Pancakes

The theme for this third week of Advent is Joy and I have to admit that I’m really, really, struggling to lean into the joy of the Good News. I know, I know, I’m a priest, I shouldn’t admit such things. I’m supposed to be a spiritual role model. But it’s true: this has beenContinue reading “Joy and Pancakes”

Knowing Ourselves

Sunday, December 13, 2020Third Sunday of AdventIsaiah 61:1-4, 8-11Psalm 1261 Thessalonians 5:16-24John 1:6-8, 19-28http://lectionarypage.net/YearB_RCL/Advent/BAdv3_RCL.html As we continue our journey through Advent, we spend another Sunday with John the Baptizer preparing ourselves to recognize Jesus when he comes to us. John wants to make sure we don’t miss this awesome event of God coming to beContinue reading “Knowing Ourselves”