Author: Jeff Hampton

Christmas Eve

From Wilshire Advent Devotions 2014

Romans 12:14-18 – Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are. Do not repay anyone evil for evil, buttake thought for what is noble in the sight of all. If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 

I’ve never been persecuted. Not by another person. Not really. I’ve felt pressured, taken advantage of, unappreciated and overlooked, but that’s not persecution. The only person I’ve ever had a physical tussle with is my brother, and the last time that happened was at least 50 years ago. That wasn’t persecution either; it was just brothers being brothers. 

Continue reading “Peace Begets Peace”

Fourth Wednesday of Advent

Originally posted Thursday, December 20, 2012

With Christmas upon us, I’ve been wondering why it is that we put so much time and energy into this holy holiday and then quickly brush it aside. I’m particularly curious about how quickly we toss aside the music with the wrapping paper. 

Continue reading “Fixing the Calendar”

Fourth Tuesday of Advent

If you watched “Wilshire’s Got Talent” last weekend, you heard LeAnn and me play a duet of “Coventry Carol” on flute and concertina. We chose it in part because we could play it together, but also because it’s just a lovely melody. Somber, haunting, quiet – it’s been a favorite of mine for years, but I have to admit that I didn’t understand what it was about until recently.

Continue reading “One Sweet Note”