Advent Reflections
AdventWord 2019: 2. Visit
We visit because being in relationship is one of our deepest callings from God. We visit because we desire human contact, companionship, friendship, and love. We visit to share a moment in time, to share joys and sorrows We visit to share the essence of who we are with another Visits bring hope, a reminder […]
AdventWord 2019: 1. Unexpected
Come, thou long expected Jesus born to set Thy people free; from our fears and sins release us, let us find our rest in Thee. Israel’s strength and consolation, hope of all the earth thou art; dear desire of every nation, joy of every longing heart. The above text is from the well-known hymn by […]
AdventWord: Peace
The Episcopal Church works to support peacebuilding, conflict resolution, and reconciliation in our churches, communities, nations, and around the world. We partner with provinces and churches of the Anglican Communion to end violence, create space for healing, and create lasting peace. The Office of Government Relations supports these efforts, urging the U.S. government to promote human […]
AdventWord: Persist
St. Augustine’s University (SAU) in Raleigh, N.C., one of the Episcopal Church’s two Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), recently celebrated graduation and the 151st year of providing a quality undergraduate experience to young African-American women and men. One of these young men was Kendrick Cunningham. Like many young people trying to make it through […]
AdventWord: Expect
Do you know that moment when you are reading a really good book or watching a really good movie when what you expect to happen doesn’t, and what actually happens is way better than you could have predicted? Fortunately, that was the case for me when I decided to take a leap of faith and […]
AdventWord: Ancestor
In the gospel of Matthew, the author starts the stories of Jesus with Jesus’ lineage, often fondly known as the “begats.” The King James Version references lineage like this, “Abraham begat Issac…” Advent season often brings us to consider family, our own “begats,” where we come from, our ancestors. Some people can trace their family […]
AdventWord: Rejoice
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel! In Old Testament and New, rejoicing is not just a response; it’s a command. It’s not a feeling; it’s a practice. “Sing and rejoice, O daughter Zion! For lo, I will come and dwell in your midst, says the Lord,” decrees the prophet Zechariah (Zechariah 2:10). […]
AdventWord: Smooth
Luke 3:4-6 “The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be made low, and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways made smooth; and all flesh shall see the salvation […]
AdventWord: Grow
The Young Adult Service Corps is giving me the opportunity to experience God in another part of his kingdom and build relationships. It has inspired my spiritual and personal growth. I am working alongside our brothers and sisters in the Anglican Communion to promote values of sharing, stewarding God’s creation, and economic development through the […]
AdventWord: Alert
Encouraging Episcopalians to engage in the political process through advocacy and voting is a key component of our work in the Office of Government Relations. One of the ways we help connect Episcopalians with their elected officials is by sending Action Alerts out to the Episcopal Public Policy Network, which is housed within our office. […]