The days in between Christmas and New Year's have always been among my favorites. After all the chaos of Christmas, but before life returns to "normal," we have these precious, spacious, open days. Forgive me for giving in too much to the 'magic' of the secular Christmas spirit, but this time always feels special, expansive … Continue reading Our Eyes Have Seen Your Salvation
Those of you who know me in person likely know that I hate, hate, hate sentimental portrayals of the Christmas story. I can't stand Christmas pageants (even as a kid I thought they were drivel whose only function was to let the grannies fawn over us — and yes, I was a strange child) and … Continue reading Into Our Mess: A Reflection for Christmas 2020
Angels announce with shouts of mirth Him who brings new life to earth. Set every peak and valley Humming with the word The Lord is coming People look East and sing today Love the Lord is on the way If I'm honest, there isn't much I miss about being a kid. Despite its responsibilities and … Continue reading People Look East: Set Every Peak and Valley Humming
The holiday season is in many ways a season of choices: Which gifts to buy, which charities to give to, which cookies to make and what to serve for the feast, and — in a normal year, at least — which invitations to accept and which to politely decline. It’s a season when we all … Continue reading Here I Am: A Reflection for Advent 4, 2020
Stars keep the watch when night is dim One more light the bowl shall brim Shining beyond the frosty weather Bright as the sun and moon together People look East and sing today Love the Star is on the way Being in the dark is hard. And, we spend a lot of time in it, … Continue reading People Look East: When Night is Dim
Matthew Root 