On the eighth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me eight maids a-milking. The eight maids a-milking are said to represent the Eight Beatitudes, spoken by Jesus at the beginning of the Sermon on the Mount...
Hope
Seven Swans a-Swimming
On the seventh day of Christmas, my true love gave to me seven swans a-swimming. The seven swans a-swimming have been understood to represent the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit...
Six Geese a-Laying
On the sixth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me six geese a-laying. The six geese a-laying are said to represent the six days of Creation...
Four Calling Birds
On the fourth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me four calling birds… These four are said to represent the four Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—four distinct tellings of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus...
Three French Hens
On the third day of Christmas, my true love gave to me two turtle doves. The three French hens are traditionally understood to represent faith, hope, and love (charity)—the enduring virtues at the heart of Christian life...
Two Turtle Doves
On the second day of Christmas, my true love gave to me two turtle doves. The two turtle doves are often said to represent the Old and New Testaments—two voices, held together, telling the long and unfinished story of God and humanity...
A Partridge in a Pear Tree
On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me a partridge in a pear tree. Traditionally, the partridge in the pear tree represents Jesus Christ...
Pentecost: Hope Beyond Division
In a world marked by conflict, division, and hardship—from war in Ukraine and Gaza to austerity in the UK—Pentecost offers a quiet but powerful hope. It’s a story about breaking down barriers, finding new ways to listen, and discovering connection across our differences. This Pentecost Sunday, let’s reflect on what it means to speak new languages of understanding and build hope beyond division. Read more on how the Ascension calls us into action despite the waiting.
Ascension Day
The Ascension of Jesus doesn't provide a neat resolution but calls us into the work of love, justice, healing, and reconciliation. As Jesus departs, He hands over this mission to His followers, inviting us to participate in the world’s transformation. The period of waiting before Pentecost is not about passively waiting for everything to be fixed, but about preparing, trusting that the Holy Spirit will empower us to act. From the nurse in a war zone to the teacher fighting for every child’s future, we are all called to move forward, even without all the answers, and trust that we are part of a larger movement for change. We wait, we hope, and soon—we will go. Read more on how the Ascension calls us into action despite the waiting.
Hope That Bears Scars
Hope Scrolling: Easter Sunday Hope That Bears Scars By abrokenpastor #40DaysofHope #TheBrokenChurch #HopeScrolling
The Broken Church 