• O Magnum Mysterium
    A Spiritual Life

    O Magnum Mysterium

    One of the most divine pieces of music I know is the O Magnum Mysterium by Morten Lauridsen (I love it so much, it even played a starring role in my first novel). Before I say anything, take a listen: The O Magnum Mysterium texts is one of the oldest in the liturgy, making up part of the Christmas Matins, and telling the story of how Jesus was born in the manger surrounded by the lowly animals, and the Virgin Mary who trusted in God enough to step into an unknown journey. Now look, whatever you think about the literal capital-T Truth of the Bible (and I already talked the…

    Comments Off on O Magnum Mysterium
  • Advent 2020
    Mind wanderings

    Don’t rush into Christmas so that you miss Advent

    Frederick Buechner said: In the silence of a midwinter dusk, there is a sound so faint that for all you can tell it may be only the sound of the silence itself. You hold your breath to listen. You are aware of the beating of your heart. The extraordinary thing that is about to happen is matched only by the extraordinary moment just before it happens. Advent is the name of that moment. This is the magical time of year when we go in, quietly meditating, watching and waiting for magic, for light, for the extraordinary. In my personal faith tradition, this is the time when Christians meditate on the…

    Comments Off on Don’t rush into Christmas so that you miss Advent