Working Miracles and Giving Gifts
“God rejoices and delights in us (Isaiah 62:1-5); his steadfast love offers us refuge in the shadow of his wings (Psalm 36:5-10). Christ showed his power while on earth, working many signs and miracles, including one at the wedding of Cana (John 2:1-11). God gives each of us spiritual gifts to use in his service (1 Corinthians 12:1-11).” – Thomas Oden
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Waters of Mercy
“Because the Lord loves us and knows us by name, we need not be worried or fearful (Isaiah 43:1-7). God is all-powerful and blesses us with strength and peace (Psalm 29) and with the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:14-17). Through Christ’s baptism (Luke 3:15-17, 21-22) we can better understand the plan God has for our own salvation.” – Thomas Oden
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“The night sky was still dim and pale. There, peeping among the cloud-wrack above a dark tor high up in the mountains, Sam saw a white star twinkle for a while. The beauty of it smote his heart, as he looked up out of the forsaken land, and hope returned to him. For like a shaft, clear and cold, the thought pierced him that in the end the Shadow was only a small and passing thing: there was light and high beauty forever beyond its reach.”
-J.R.R. Tolkien in The Return of the King
During Epiphany, we remember the coming of the wise men from the east to honor the Savior’s birth (Matthew 2:1-12). As the prophets foretold, Christ, the light of the world, has penetrated the darkness (Isaiah 60:1-6), bringing justice and peace (Psalm 72). Because of God’s grace and Christ’s birth, death and resurrection, we are offered salvation from sin (Ephesians 3:1-12).” – Thomas Oden
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The Word was Made Flesh and Dwelt Among us…
“The dogma of the Incarnation is the most dramatic thing about Christianity, and indeed, the most dramatic thing that ever entered the mind of man; but if you tell people so, they stare at you in bewilderment.” —Dorothy Sayers
Restoration
“The prophets foretold the birth of Christ (Micah 5:2-5a), who would “be great to the ends of the earth.” We look to God for restoration and salvation (Psalm 80:1-7) through the ultimate sacrifice of his Son, Jesus Christ (Hebrews 10:5-10), whose birth through the virgin Mary was prophesied by Elizabeth (Luke 1:39-55) and which we anticipate during this Advent season.” -Thomas Oden
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Rejoice!
“We should rejoice! The Lord promises us he will renew us with love and eventually bring us home to be with him (Zepheniah 3:14-20). We need
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Artist Barbara Lyon has created an original 2018/2019 one-page Christian liturgical calendar for use in church and home. Her delightful visuals are appealing to all ages. She has given permission to distribute this year’s calendar freely and encourages individuals and families to print and hang in a prominent place. Here is a brief statement from the artist about the calendar’s symbolism:
“This year I focused on God’s family, bread, and feasting. We have a nativity focused around Jesus. In Ordinary Time, Jesus feasting with all sorts, Zaccheus, the Woman from the well, Jewish rabbi (Nicodemus!), Mary with a broken bottle of perfume, a dog waiting for crumbs, Zaccheus’ gold falling around Jesus’ feet. Then we see the ground getting ready in Lent, Palm Sunday, Easter, and when the curtain rips there we see the table, God’s presence with us, in our bodies, Ascension Sunday, Pentecost … Trinity Sunday is three beings in one, one Godhead, reaching out in three ways, God in cloud, Holy Spirit in fire, Jesus in physical hands with nail wounds. Ordinary Time is ready soil growing wheat, to die and nourish others/grow again.”
Works well as a handout when printed two-sided and then cut it to an 8.5″ square.
Prepare the Way
“The prophets foretold the coming of Christ (Malachi 3:1-4), as did Zechariah (Luke 1:68-79) and John the Baptist, who prepared the way for the Lord (Luke 3:1-6). Until Christ returns again, we strive to become more like him (Philippians 1:3-11).”
-Thomas Oden
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Walking and Waiting in Love
“Our God is a God of justice and righteousness (Jeremiah 33:14-16). During the Advent season, we are reminded that we are called to learn his ways and walk in the paths of humility and love (Psalm 25:1-9). As we look to his return (Luke 21:25-36), we pray and give thanks, desiring to become holy as he is holy (1 Thessalonians 3:9-13).” -Thomas Oden
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