BCNE News
The latest news from our network of New England churches. Looking for our New England Perspectives Articles? Click here.
Christmas: God with us
We are getting close to that time of year when our social media and photo apps will offer up our “Year in Review,” allowing us to see the highlights of one year all in a few minutes. I love being reminded of the good days, the moments of laughter, and of the Lord’s faithfulness stretching out over another year of my life.
Light of the world
I love living in New England. I love the history, the ocean, the people. But there’s one thing that I just do not like. I hate that in the winter the sun goes down so early and the days are so short. I find myself really looking forward to the Winter Solstice. It may be the shortest day, but I know from that day forward each day will get a bit longer and include a little more daylight. It’s a bit easier to face the shorter days, when I know we are one step closer to spring and sunshine.
Preparing your family to savor the Christmas season
We are just days away from gathering with our family and friends to celebrate Thanksgiving. Many will probably enjoy the meal and then quickly launch into the Christmas frenzy! Let me suggest four practices that you could incorporate into the four weeks leading up to Christmas in order to bring your focus back on the meaning of Christmas and give your family an opportunity to bond in a special way and savor the true meaning of Christmas.
Advent is for the weary
In New England, the season of Advent creeps into the literal darkness of December. As the days shorten, the holiday season ramps up, it’s frenzied and bright. The loudest messages speak of exuberance and abundance and assume a constant state of exhaustive cheer. And while joy is central to the coming of Christ, the season of Advent also presses back with a counter-cultural invitation into a stillness of soul as we watch for the coming light.