The Fourth Sunday of Advent is a time to celebrate peace. Spread peace as much as you can.
To pass the peace by Clarke Dewey Wells
To pass the peace is a revolutionary act.
It means to trust the outsider we fear, to wish well those who have hurt us; and to forgive at last ourselves.
To offer the blessing to those around you is to love your neighbor and yourself and to be at peace with God.
Pax vobiscum. Peace. Peace.
An Adequate Christmas by Jake Morrill
Chalica is a week long holiday celebrating the Seven UU Principles. It is a time of reflection, community, and living our faith.
Here are some ways to help you celebrate.
Two Meditations:
God of all Oppressed Persons by Robin F. Gray
To Right the Wrongs of our Kin by Leslie Takahashi
A Thought to Ponder:
If you had a magic wand, what would you do to make this world a better place?
A Song:
Indigo Picture Credit: Kris Nobis Cervantes
Have a blessed Second Sunday of Advent.
While you are expectantly waiting, reflect on peace and understanding with this reading “The Peace not Past Understanding” from Rev. Gary Kowalski
“Rosh Hashanah ushers in the beginning of the Jewish year and is a holiday that celebrates the creation of the world, something that’s reflected in its name, which means “head of the year” in Hebrew.” From Time
Here is a video from the acapela group The Maccabeats
Blessings of peace for the New Year to all of our Jewish friends and family.
Namaste,
Cricket
May your year be blessed.
May your heart be happy.
May you learn balance and find peace.
Namaste,
Cricket
Prelude: “Beauty in You” by Meg Barnhouse
Welcome: Wind, Water, Sun By Seth Carrier-Ladd
Chalice Lighting: The Pride Flame By Linda Lee Franson
Song: Gathered Here
Rainbow Principles:
Respect the importance of all beings.
Offer fair and kind treatment to all.
Yearn to learn throughout life.
Grow by exploring ideas and values together.
Believe in your ideas and act on them.
Insist on peace, freedom, and justice for all.
Value our interdependence with nature.
Rev. Kathleen Rolenz wrote Easter is Breaking about peace in our world.
Below is a guided medtiation on finding personal peace
In looking for things for this post John Lennon’s “Imagine came up multiple times, so I figured I should share it too.
May we find peace. May we bring peace. May we share peace.
Namaste,
Cricket
#UULent
The Peace not Past Understanding by Gary Kowalski
We are all searching for understanding in the world. We are all searching for peace. May this help us get one step closer.
Namaste,
Cricket
#UULent
Today is Christmas. It is the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. You can read the full story here.
It is a day of celebration. It is also a day to remember how lucky we are and how we need to help others in the world. Christmas is a reminder for us to be a light in the world.
I have included a devotion for today.
Namaste,
Cricket
Now the Work of Christmas Begins
Now the Work of Christmas Begins
Affirmation
When the song of the angels is stilled,
when the star in the sky is gone,
when the kings and princes are home,
when the shepherds are back with their flocks,
the work of Christmas begins:
to find the lost,
to heal the broken,
to feed the hungry,
to release the prisoner,
to rebuild the nations,
to bring peace among the people,
to make music in the heart.
Please note that this piece may not be used in any performance or distribution that involves compensation.
Source: “The Mood of Christmas and Other Celebrations”
Author, philosopher, theologian, educator, and civil rights leader.
To wish for compassion
To pray for courage
To experience doubt
To bear sorrow
To strive for sureness—
All these are qualities
For which each of us
Should be grateful.
But to feel a genuine fellowship
For the whole human family,
To act
So that our empathy
Is evident
Wherever we go—
That’s the object.
That’s the life-long goal.
