Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness.                 ~ Desmond Tutu

Sometimes the darkness of a situation – whether apartheid in Tutu’s experience, pandemic times challenges or ??? – helps remind us that light still exists (and this quote, above, is a nice reminder about the song Hope is Born Again.)

There are so many wonderful ways to share our hope tangibly with others. Nicholas Kristof wrote the article HERE – Choose a Gift That Changes Lives; it’s worth a read. Let’s share our hope for a brighter/lighter future on this planet for all of us!

POSSIBLY ACTIONS:

1. Consider a donation to one of the groups in Kristof’s article if you’re looking for 2020 / 2021 giving suggestions (it’s not too late for 2020 – most charities take online donations!)
2. Listen to Hope is Born Again as a musical reminder of light in darkness
3. Share this post with a friend(s) if you think they would appreciate reading CP posts in 2021

Enjoy the day, filled with the Spirit!

Lectionary Texts for Sunday, January 3, 2021:

• • Jeremiah 31:7-14 or Sirach 24:1-12 
  • Psalm 147:12-20 or Wisdom of Solomon 10:15-21 
  • Ephesians 1:3-14 
  • John 1:(1-9), 10-18
  •  

Know someone who might like receiving messages like this?**  If so, forward this message to them and they can sign up HERE

SILVER LININGS AMIDST DARK CLOUDS

CHRISTIAN PLAYBOOK HUMOR – NEW UPDATES on 12/25

STREAMING WORSHIP SERVICES – Cincinnati, Bowling Green and more!

CLICK ON ICONS BELOW FOR LINKS TO CHRISTIAN PLAYBOOK PAGES ON DEVOTIONALS, PRAYERS, MUSIC, STUDY AND LOVE

In his blog of December 27 HERE, Matthew Fox highlights one of the 12 Days of Christmas by sharing commentary of present day mystic Dorothee Soelle. She quotes Soren Kierkegaard plus presents very compelling commentary including:

Have you ever felt “safer” idolizing someone, seeing their greatness as beyond you?  Can you replace that notion with the Christ of mysticism and being “in Christ”?

As we continue Christmastide, may we feel and heed the urges of being “in Christ” with enthusiasm, love and joy….

POSSIBLE ACTIVITY: are there people in your weekly interactions who are showing evidence of being “in Christ?” If so, find time to ask them about a cause they are supporting. If not, maybe you will find time to expand your sphere, looking for such folks in your area?

Enjoy the day, filled with the Spirit!

Lectionary Texts for Sunday, January 3, 2021:

• • Jeremiah 31:7-14 or Sirach 24:1-12 
  • Psalm 147:12-20 or Wisdom of Solomon 10:15-21 
  • Ephesians 1:3-14 
  • John 1:(1-9), 10-18
  •  

Know someone who might like receiving messages like this?**  If so, forward this message to them and they can sign up HERE

SILVER LININGS AMIDST DARK CLOUDS

CHRISTIAN PLAYBOOK HUMOR – NEW UPDATES on 12/25

STREAMING WORSHIP SERVICES – Cincinnati, Bowling Green and more!

CLICK ON ICONS BELOW FOR LINKS TO CHRISTIAN PLAYBOOK PAGES ON DEVOTIONALS, PRAYERS, MUSIC, STUDY AND LOVE

Creches (nativity scenes) from all over the world are displayed on the internet – available as links HERE – thanks to the University of Dayton. Along with the visuals is some commentary on each. This one HERE from Togo, West Africa is a special reminder of the opportunity that all creatures can celebrate, and do it with presence, presents and music!

Additionally, Guideposts has an 8 slide presentation about nativity scenes (LINK HERE.) It’s worth the few minutes to experience this – some really beautiful artwork and wonderful historical/background explanations! On the first slide they mention:

“Tradition has it that Saint Francis of Assisi created the first crèche in 1223 when he mounted a living nativity scene…”

For those who display nativity scenes, the visual is a nice reminder of welcoming love into our world. May we do that again today and in the days that follow…

Enjoy the day, filled with the Spirit!

P.S. the CP Christmas playlist on Youtube continues to get new material and is HERE should you want to listen to more…

Lectionary Texts for Sunday, December 27, 2020:

• • Isaiah 61:10-62:3 
  • Psalm 148 
  • Galatians 4:4-7 
  • Luke 2:22-40
  •  

Know someone who might like receiving messages like this?**  If so, forward this message to them and they can sign up HERE

SILVER LININGS AMIDST DARK CLOUDS

CHRISTIAN PLAYBOOK HUMOR – NEW UPDATES on 12/25

STREAMING WORSHIP SERVICES – Cincinnati, Bowling Green and more!

CLICK ON ICONS BELOW FOR LINKS TO CHRISTIAN PLAYBOOK PAGES ON DEVOTIONALS, PRAYERS, MUSIC, STUDY AND LOVE

A cherished family friend had the regular honor of singing Birthday Of A King during worship over the Christmas season. At that time it was a new song to me – I’ve still never heard it done in church. It’s a nice tune with a great message so certainly worthy of sharing HERE.

Merry Christmas!!! May the peace and joy of this season be with you this day and throughout the year ahead…

[The CP Christmas playlist is HERE should you want to listen to more Christmas music]

Lectionary Texts for Sunday, December 27, 2020:

• • Isaiah 61:10-62:3 
  • Psalm 148 
  • Galatians 4:4-7 
  • Luke 2:22-40
  •  

Know someone who might like receiving messages like this?**  If so, forward this message to them and they can sign up HERE

SILVER LININGS AMIDST DARK CLOUDS

CHRISTIAN PLAYBOOK HUMOR – NEW UPDATES on 12/23

STREAMING WORSHIP SERVICES – Cincinnati, Bowling Green and more!

CLICK ON ICONS BELOW FOR LINKS TO CHRISTIAN PLAYBOOK PAGES ON DEVOTIONALS, PRAYERS, MUSIC, STUDY AND LOVE

The Covid-19 pandemic is making this Christmas Eve very different for most of us. Yet, some traditions will continue.

As you can see HERE, reading the poem What I’d Really Like to Give You is a Star by Ann Weems is a family tradition in at least one household. It’s a quick read – maybe seeing these lines will entice you to read it all?

“But I can wish you life
            as radiant as the Star
            that announces the Christ Child’s coming,
            and as filled with awe as the shepherds who stood beneath its light.”

The poem shares beautiful messages. Perhaps reading it or doing other sacred activities will be new traditions for you and those you love?

Enjoy this day, filled with the Spirit (and the star, almost burning a hole in the pocket of your jeans it’s shining so brightly!)

P.S. Want to join friends (old and new) on Zoom for casual discussions about Christmas topics? On December 25th at 12:30 PM (EST) there will be a Light-Hearted Learning (& Sharing) opportunities to discuss Christmas Stories, Poems and more. Details HERE

Lectionary Texts for Sunday, December 27, 2020:

• • Isaiah 61:10-62:3 
  • Psalm 148 
  • Galatians 4:4-7 
  • Luke 2:22-40
  •  

Know someone who might like receiving messages like this?**  If so, forward this message to them and they can sign up HERE

SILVER LININGS AMIDST DARK CLOUDS

CHRISTIAN PLAYBOOK HUMOR – NEW UPDATES on 12/23

STREAMING WORSHIP SERVICES – Cincinnati, Bowling Green and more!

CLICK ON ICONS BELOW FOR LINKS TO CHRISTIAN PLAYBOOK PAGES ON DEVOTIONALS, PRAYERS, MUSIC, STUDY AND LOVE

This article (HERE) shares exciting upcoming event commentary by Dean Regas, Astronomer at the Cincinnati Observatory. Dean shares that to the naked eye Jupiter and Saturn will nearly be joining together – – “Jupiter with a bump (Saturn) on it” is how Dean described in a recent talk. Fact is, they’ll still be about 450,000,000 miles apart!

This got me thinking about “the conjunction” we have with God. There are times that individuals appear to be almost one with God; Sister Teresa comes to mind. Yet, we know from a previous CP post that Sister Teresa had feelings that God was quite a ways away.

To stick with astronomy metaphors, as we continue through Advent, are we in tight daily orbit with God, do we feel the height of annual winter or ???  May our days be filled with efforts to “close the orbital gap” with our Creator!

POTENTIAL ACTION: Make time to venture outside tonight, even if the skies are cloudy and/or there’s a lot of ambient light. Look up to the skies with glory to God in the highest!!!

Enjoy the day, filled with the Spirit!

P.S. Want to join friends (old and new) on Zoom for casual discussions about Christmas topics? At 12:30 PM (EST) there will be Light-Hearted Learning (& Sharing) opportunities to discuss Christmas Around the World (on 12/21) and Christmas Stories and More (on 12/25). Details HERE

Lectionary Texts for Sunday, December 27, 2020:

• • Isaiah 61:10-62:3 
  • Psalm 148 
  • Galatians 4:4-7 
  • Luke 2:22-40
  •  

Know someone who might like receiving messages like this?**  If so, forward this message to them and they can sign up HERE

SILVER LININGS AMIDST DARK CLOUDS

CHRISTIAN PLAYBOOK HUMOR – NEW UPDATES on 12/4

STREAMING WORSHIP SERVICES – Cincinnati, Bowling Green and more!

CLICK ON ICONS BELOW FOR LINKS TO CHRISTIAN PLAYBOOK PAGES ON DEVOTIONALS, PRAYERS, MUSIC, STUDY AND LOVE

Ron Clancy shares the history of 3 Christmas Carols (I Wonder as I Wander, O Little Town of Bethlehem, Silent Night) HERE. It’s fascinating to be introduced to new tunes and/or learn more details.

POTENTIAL ACTION: Think of a favorite Christmas song and spend a few minutes listening to a version of it and/or doing an internet search on its history

Enjoy the day, filled with the Spirit and music of the Christmas season!

Lectionary Texts for Sunday, December 20, 2020:

• • • 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16 
    • Luke 1:46b-55 or Psalm 89:1-4, 19-26  
    • Romans 16:25-27  
    • Luke 1:26-38

Know someone who might like receiving messages like this?**  If so, forward this message to them and they can sign up HERE

SILVER LININGS AMIDST DARK CLOUDS

CHRISTIAN PLAYBOOK HUMOR – NEW UPDATES on 12/4

STREAMING WORSHIP SERVICES – Cincinnati, Bowling Green and more!

CLICK ON ICONS BELOW FOR LINKS TO CHRISTIAN PLAYBOOK PAGES ON DEVOTIONALS, PRAYERS, MUSIC, STUDY AND LOVE

Mary Did You Know has become a Christmas favorite. The lyrics share life activities of Jesus on this earth, a message that fits all year long (a little history of the song is HERE.)

A number of artists have versions of this song in their catalog. The version HERE by Voctave, featuring the songwriter Mark Lowry, is the newest addition to the Christian Playbook Youtube Christmas Playlist HERE. Definitely worth a listen today! 🙂

POTENTIAL ACTION: Think of a favorite Christmas song and spend a few minutes listening to a version of it

Enjoy the day, filled with the Spirit and music of the Christmas season!

Lectionary Texts for Sunday, December 20, 2020:

• • • 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16 
    • Luke 1:46b-55 or Psalm 89:1-4, 19-26  
    • Romans 16:25-27  
    • Luke 1:26-38

Know someone who might like receiving messages like this?**  If so, forward this message to them and they can sign up HERE

SILVER LININGS AMIDST DARK CLOUDS

CHRISTIAN PLAYBOOK HUMOR – NEW UPDATES on 12/4

STREAMING WORSHIP SERVICES – Cincinnati, Bowling Green and more!

CLICK ON ICONS BELOW FOR LINKS TO CHRISTIAN PLAYBOOK PAGES ON DEVOTIONALS, PRAYERS, MUSIC, STUDY AND LOVE

After reading Advent devotional commentary by Richard Rohr on mending, what should come across the email but this Our Daily Bread (ODB) commentary. While so many on-the-field competitions lead to fragmentation, this article describes how football quarterbacks Carson Wentz and Nick Foles displayed a very different approach.

POTENTIAL ACTION: As the ODB article asks, “How can you encourage someone who serves alongside you?”

Enjoy the day, filled with the Spirit and encouraging words/actions!

Lectionary Texts for Sunday, December 20, 2020:

• • • 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16 
    • Luke 1:46b-55 or Psalm 89:1-4, 19-26  
    • Romans 16:25-27  
    • Luke 1:26-38

Know someone who might like receiving messages like this?**  If so, forward this message to them and they can sign up HERE

SILVER LININGS AMIDST DARK CLOUDS

CHRISTIAN PLAYBOOK HUMOR – NEW UPDATES on 12/4

STREAMING WORSHIP SERVICES – Cincinnati, Bowling Green and more!

CLICK ON ICONS BELOW FOR LINKS TO CHRISTIAN PLAYBOOK PAGES ON DEVOTIONALS, PRAYERS, MUSIC, STUDY AND LOVE

In 2012 it would have been nearly impossible for Richard Rohr to know how accurate his Preparing for Christmas commentary for the Third Sunday in Advent would be in 2020. For that matter, we can make that same comment about the Lectionary Team and others. “With God all things are possible… “

These words likely resonate for most of us in the U.S., regardless of our political leanings:

“The more that we can put together, the more that we can ‘forgive’ and allow, the more we can include and enjoy, the more we tend to be living in the Spirit. The more we need to reject, oppose, deny, exclude and eliminate, the more open we are to negative and destructive voices and to our own worst instincts. As always, Jesus is our model of healing, outreach and reconciliation, the ultimate man of the Spirit.”

~ Preparing for Christmas, devotional by Richard Rohr, p. 47

Richard closes this by encouraging readers to reflect on opportunities to mend divisions, leading us toward today’s Possible Action: perhaps this week we can each find one relationship that might use a little mending and begin reconciliation outreach?

Enjoy the day, filled with the Spirit!

PRAYER: Consider choosing a prayer prompt from Bob Hostetler’s blog list HERE? Maybe #2, given today’s mending message, even though it’s a repeat from earlier this season?

Lectionary Texts for Sunday, December 13, 2020:

• • • Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 
    • Psalm 126 or Luke 1:46b-55 
    • 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24  
    • John 1:6-8, 19-28

Know someone who might like receiving messages like this?**  If so, forward this message to them and they can sign up HERE

SILVER LININGS AMIDST DARK CLOUDS

CHRISTIAN PLAYBOOK HUMOR – NEW UPDATES on 12/4

STREAMING WORSHIP SERVICES – Cincinnati, Bowling Green and more!

CLICK ON ICONS BELOW FOR LINKS TO CHRISTIAN PLAYBOOK PAGES ON DEVOTIONALS, PRAYERS, MUSIC, STUDY AND LOVE