by Rev. Ken Applegate | December 21, 2018 | christmas | Blog
Luke 2:1-20 In a Walmart parking lot in Weatherford, Oklahoma, a baby was born today. Neighbors reported bright lights, loud singing and increased traffic, but when police arrived, they found a celebration that they described as “joyful, but peaceful.” No arrests were... Read more
by Albany Presbytery Communications | December 22, 2017 | All Peoplechristmasinclusive | Blog
Reflection on Luke 2:1-20 Whenever I read this passage from Luke, I always linger on the pronouncement that the good news of great joy is “for all the people.” Such a broad and inclusive invitation and promise! As we celebrate the birth of Jesus, the promised Christ,... Read more
by Rev. Kate Kotfila | December 19, 2017 | AlbPresbychristmas | Blog
Merry Christmas! I am still enough of a kid at heart that the first real snow of the season always fills me with joy. The steady flakes and the white blanket covering the lawn and trees look magical. The muffled quiet of a steady snow makes me think of Silent Night.... Read more
by Rev. Shannan Vance-Ocampo | December 17, 2016 | AdventAlbPresbybaby jesuschrist childchristmasisaiahPCUSASyria | Blog
Again the Lord spoke to Ahaz, saying, Ask a sign of the Lord your God; let it be deep as Sheol or high as heaven. But Ahaz said, I will not ask, and I will not put the Lord to the test. Then Isaiah said: “Hear then, O house of David! Is it too little for you to weary... Read more
by Rev. Shannan Vance-Ocampo | December 9, 2016 | AdventchristmasdeserthopeimmigrationisaiahJesusjoyPCUSApeacesanctuaryYAVAyoung adult volunteers | Blog
The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad, the desert shall rejoice and blossom; like the crocus it shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice with joy and singing. The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it, the majesty of Carmel and Sharon. They shall see the glory of... Read more
by Rev. Shannan Vance-Ocampo | December 2, 2016 | advent2AlbPresbychristmasisaiahjesseNew lifePCUSA | Blog
A shoot shall come out from the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots. The spirit of the Lord shall rest on him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord. His delight... Read more
