The Lights of Advent

We light one candle.
We wait in expectant hope.

We light two candles.
We pray and work for peace.

We light three candles.
We rejoice for Christ draws near.

We light four candles.
We love and rest in love.

We light candles
And the light of the world
Rekindles us to new life in him.

© 2011. Annabelle Peake Markey. All rights reserved.

“Oh, Heaven Is A Place…”

….with hummus?!

I was watching tv the other day and I saw the following commercial for Sabra hummus:

First of all, I love hummus. Second, I love the bright colors used and the emphasis on different cultures and backgrounds. Third, it made me think of heaven. You may be asking, “what?!” Seriously though.

In the church we speak about Holy Communion as a foretaste of the feast to come and about one day being at the feast which will have no end. So when I see gorgeous scenery, a beautiful, rich, vibrantly-colored banquet table, and people coming together from every corner of the world, bringing their own experiences and stories to share at the table, I think of heaven.

I think of that place where all of God’s children will be gathered together and there will be no sorrow or pain, only life in the brilliant, loving light of God. But life is not just waiting for that future time and place.

Jesus declared that the kingdom of heaven (or kingdom of God) was already here! The kingdom is here among us, in the world. We can catch glimpses of it in all kinds of random and surprising places and times. This means during our lives we can all endeavor to work for the kingdom, seeking peace and justice for the poor, weak, oppressed or those who have no voice. Yes, the kingdom is here, but it is not yet fully realized – that will only happen in God’s time. So until that point, we can eat hummus and work for the kingdom!

© 2011. Annabelle Peake Markey. All rights reserved.

The Savior Calls

Beautiful Christ, my Savior and Lord,
I hear your voice in the crisp fall air,
Calling softly, “Come and follow,
I have sought you with love and care.

I bore the world’s sin and sorrow -
I walked a path no one else could trod,
that you might have life to the full,
and spend it in the love and peace of God.

Though you turned away from me,
and quickly followed your own ways,
I’ve been always by your side –
I’ve walked with you all your days.

I ask you now to turn and see,
My pierced hand outstretched to you,
Take it and trust that I’m still here,
Forgiving, patient, steadfast, and true.”

© 2010. Annabelle Peake. All rights reserved.

Fall Foliage At The Maryland Renaissance Festival

Hosanna, Hosanna!

I am absolutely in love with “Hosanna” by the Soweto Gospel Choir!

Here are the lyrics:

Let the weak say, “I am strong”
Let the poor say, “I am rich”
Let the blind say, “I can see”
what the Lord has done in me (Repeat 3x)

Hosanna, hosanna
To the Lamb that was slain
Hosanna, hosanna
Jesus died and rose again
Hosanna, hosanna
To the Lamb that was slain
Hosanna, hosanna

Jesus died and rose again (Repeat 5x)

It’s simplicity, sweeping dynamics and incredible harmonies really convey the beautiful message of the Gospel.  In the midst of a stressful and hectic semester, I’ve found rest and calm in the lyrics and tune of this song.  In times of stress or great pressure, what brings you peace?

This song reminds me that God is already at work in the world, changing the lives of people by bringing hope and peace through the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  The Lord is busy at work in people, making the weak strong, the poor rich and the blind able to see what God is doing.  Lest we think, “oh, that doesn’t include me,” let’s not forget that the words “weak,” “poor” and “blind” can also pertain to our faith lives.  After all, how many times do we struggle with doubts or trusting God, or forget to make time with the One who created and cares for us?  How often do we miss what God through the Holy Spirit is up to because we’re looking at the world not through God’s eyes or the eyes of faith, but with human ones?

This song is a reminder that God is already transforming us and that the kingdom of God has already been initiated.  And for that, we can say “Hosanna, Hosanna!”

Let us pray…Gracious Lord, we give thanks for the gift of your Son Jesus Christ and for your beautiful work in the world.  Strengthen us by your Spirit to be a part of this work and move in our hearts that we might be filled with love for you and our neighbors.   May we at all times and all places give glory and praise to you, shouting and singing “Hosanna” with all of creation.  In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

© 2010. Annabelle Peake. All rights reserved.

In The Midst

In the midst of despair,
you are there.
In the midst of suffering,
you are there.
In the midst of pain,
you are there.
In the midst of confusion,
you are there.
In the midst of grief,
you are there.
In the midst of frustration,
you are there.
In the midst of anger,
you are there.
In the midst of sinfulness,
you are there.
In the midst of doubt,
you are there.
In the midst of brokenness,
you are there.
In the midst of sorrow,
you are there.
In the midst of sickness,
you are there.
In the midst of hate,
you are there
In the midst of disbelief,
you are there.
In the midst of injustice,
you are there.
In the midst of weeping,
you are there.
In the midst of night,
you are there.
In the midst of death,
you are there.

In the midst of hope,
you are there.
In the midst of celebration,
you are there.
In the midst of pleasure,
you are there.
In the midst of clarity,
you are there.
In the midst of happiness,
you are there.
In the midst of satisfaction,
you are there.
In the midst of peace,
you are there.
In the midst of righteousness,
you are there.
In the midst of trust,
you are there.
In the midst of wholeness,
you are there.
In the midst of joy,
you are there.
In the midst of health,
you are there.
In the midst of love,
you are there.
In the midst of faith,
you are there.
In the midst of justice,
you are there.
In the midst of laughter,
you are there.
In the midst of day,
you are there.
In the midst of life,
you are there.

Wherever we are, you are there with us.

© 2010. Annabelle Peake. All rights reserved.