The Magnificat is a courageous and subversive song of praise; a call to social justice.

Love this world, she whispers.

The circle of evergreens reminds us that life and love will never end.

Darkness is as important as light.

December seventh, "Eight Candles" (1970). Malvina Reynolds was a 20th century Jewish, Unitarian Universalist, socialist, songwriter, and performer who is best known for her song “Little Boxes.” In 1970 she recorded the Hanukkah Song “Eight Candles.” It has since become a holiday favorite.

Advent encourages us to be present in each moment of waiting.

Grief is welcome, a sacred part of the mourning.

May we continue to find ways to connect while keeping safe this holiday season.

For me, “surrendering everything tenderly” brings an awareness of grace.

Each Advent, my empathy for Mary’s situation returns.

Help us to see that for the smallest, the humblest, the least of these burns the brightest star.

The stories remind us there is still and always joy in this world, but it usually comes right alongside the struggle.

This is a "love saves" story.

This year, the Advent season seems particularly seized by a spirit of the expected, the longing.

Make sure, both at Christmastime and in other times, that you ask for that which you really want.

Advent is about the new story being written in our lives.

Minister: At this time, we would like to introduce a special ritual. The holidays can be an especially poignant time of year. Alongside the joy in these present moments, we may recall fond memories of past celebrations with our loved ones....

[Written for two voices, here set for Worship Association (WA) and Minister (M)] WA: Perhaps some here have outgrown mystery. Maybe you have doubts about Santa, Or have forgotten the magic of a newborn child. M: One might easily lose touch with awe, In the struggle to do it all, Or simply to...

Every year, I tell the congregation not to worry about mistakes because there aren’t any; there is only us, telling an old story about love getting born into this aching world.

Everything is about to change. And it already has. It will be. It was. It is. The dawn you eagerly await to end the long, cold darkness is already full sun far off in the east. Yet even after light’s return spring is months away. Thirty long years pass after His birth before the Messiah comes.