Word&Way Voices

In day 24 of our Unsettling Advent devotional series, Contributing Writer Terrell Carter reflects on the saying “familiarity breeds contempt” and the warning that brings us for Advent.

In day 23 of our Unsettling Advent devotional series, Sophie Day reflects on the message of Advent in light of her work to tell the stories of individuals who have been sentenced to death and are in their last stages of appeals.

In day 22 of our Unsettling Advent devotional series, Contributing Writer Greg Mamula reflects on how we can join the psalmists, prophets, Elizabeth, and Mary in knowing what Advent knows.

In day 21 of our Unsettling Advent devotional series, Joy Martinez-Marshall reflects on the flight of the holy family in the Bible and the plight of refugees and immigrants today.

In day 20 of our Unsettling Advent devotional series, Senior Editor Beau Underwood reflects on watching the insurrection on Jan. 6 and what it might tell us about Jesus’s apocalyptic vision in Matthew’s Gospel.

In day 19 of our Unsettling Advent devotional series, Amanda Tyler reflects on the difference between QAnon prophecies that led to the Jan. 6 insurrection and the biblical prophecies we read during Advent.

Contributing writer Sarah Blackwell explores the many ways family traditions and rituals are an important part of faith formation for children. Traditions and rituals allow us to look back and appreciate what has come before as well as contemplate what our own legacy will be.

In day 17 of our Unsettling Advent devotional series, Jennifer Butler reflects on watching the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol and how people again misunderstand who Jesus was and what he came to do.

Anita Peebles notes that we all might never truly be ready for Advent, no matter what year it is. But she argues that we need a reminder every year that time, like life, like matter, like energy, is a cycle—that human systems of domination can be subverted by a little baby born in an out-of-the-way place to a vulnerable teenager.

In day 16 of our Unsettling Advent devotional series, David Gushee reflects on Isaiah 29:17-21 and its word for today after the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol.