Posts (Page 75)

Bishop Mary’s Advent Message

Advent is a Thin Place “The koru, which is often used in Māori art as a symbol of creation, is based on the shape of an unfurling fern frond. Its circular shape conveys the idea of perpetual movement, and its inward coil suggests a return to the point of origin. The koru therefore symbolizes the way in which life both changes and stays the same.” (teara.gov.nz.org) New Zealand is a thin spot for me. In other words, there seem to be less…

Why do we use Blue during Advent?

Advent means “coming or arrival,” and the reason for the season is anticipation and preparation for the birth of the Christ child and His second coming. In the early church, however, it was a time for candidates to prepare for church membership. After the fourth century, it became a time for preparation for Christmas, and penitence was added as a standard for the whole church in the Middle Ages! Now, many Christian churches are again shifting the emphasis of Advent…

Bishop Mary calls us to be Values Based

Examining our values can inspire us to change. Such an examination can call us to deeper integrity, intention and spiritual practice. Such reflection keeps us close to the foundation of who God calls us to be as members of the Body of Christ. As we seek to live more deeply into the values we understand as Christian, we take on the likeness of Christ. We take on the mind of Christ. We embody the values of our faith in the…