Advent 2019 - Day 5 - The Urgency to Pursue Hope
When I was given this passage to reflect on, I had a hard time writing about something that was positive. As I was reading the verses surrounding this passage, I remembered that our administration used this chapter of Romans to justify the cruel and inhumane family separations happening on our southern border. Some translations have listed “sexual immoralities” and the use of this phrase has been used to shame individuals, especially women, queer folks, and those with different sexual ethics. Also, any passage mentioning “salvation” reminds me of the exclusive yet intrusive nature of many Christian groups.
Advent 2019 - Day 2 - Promises and Requests
Dear God, I hope you are alright. It has been a while since we last connected for a heart to heart. Apologize for that. It is just that I have been through a lot of changes from last year until now. I lost my job in the beginning of 2019 and I had part-time work since. My paternal grandfather and my dog died right before 2019 so this transition period was challenging to say the least. All of this happening after climbing out of the emotional void. I want to at least reach out.
Collecting our Advent Stories
Growing up in a non-denominational conservative immigrant church, Advent was not a familiar concept or practice. It was not until I entered university, and participated in religious activities with a denomination that incorporated more liturgical elements, that I learned some Christians would spend an extended period of time before December 25 to reflect on the coming of Christ. It was easy to fold Advent into my personal faith tradition during that time because it made sense for me – I liked the practices of reflection, anticipation, and seeing hope during a tumultuous time.
SPAAC Church x Diverging Magazine Presents: Advent Service
Join Seattle PAAC as we attempt to create a new way to be Church together. For the month of December, we are putting together a weekly online expression of church where we journey together through the different themes of Advent. Join us in co-creating meaningful experiences of our faith tradition.