"They will not hurt or destroy on all my holy mountain"

Morning prayer Scripture was Isaiah 11:1-9 and Hebrews 13:7-17.  (We are in Hebrews AGAIN.)

I did both readings (from the NRSV, natch).

I announced that I would be reading the Isaiah text with feminine language for the divine, because I really don't want all this masculine language.

When I did the Hebrews reading, I just swapped in "Christ('s)" for "he" and "his" -- and once I said "the divine name" because I honestly wasn't quite sure of the referent for "his name."

***

After I got home last night, I emailed Jeff and Laura Ruth to tell them I was sorry I wasn't able to make it to the re/New service because I was at CWM Bible study.  Today, I got replies:

'sall right with me, except that I missed you. Oh, wait, I get to see you tonight! And Wednesday! I'm a lucky sister.

Laura Ruth

and

Me too Elizabeth. ...I missed you, but am glad you made the CWM Bible Study. That sounds great.

I hope you have a wonderful Christmas!

Peace,
Jeff

In my response to Laura Ruth, I told her that I didn't think I would make it to the Longest Night service because I was having dinner with marketsquare.  However, he was meeting a friend for ice cream after our dinner, so I made it to the second half of the service.

When Laura Ruth communed me, she grinned at me and said something like, "Elizabeth, this is the bread of life given for you tonight, that you might have life abundant."  Which I think is what she was saying to everyone.  And Tiffany offered me the Cup of hope.

There were healing stations (afterward), and I was seriously considering going to one, but then I realized I would have to pick between my clergy.

( excerpts from the service )