It’s Advent. Advent means chocolate calendars, silly animated videos of Hershey’s kisses and dancing reindeer, premature Christmas carols, lights in the window, happy conspiracies over gifts, sparkly clothes, holiday sweets. And now, this, courtesy of Scripture: Grim confessions. Apocalyptic prophecies. Human sin and divine anger. The Psalmist’s desperate plea for rescue: “Restore us, O Lord … READ MORE…
During this time of Lent, Advent feels like it was a long time ago. But we recently received some notes that show the many blessings that came from the Advent project created by our outgoing Director of Children, Youth, and Families, Robin Taylor. You may remember that more than 30 St. Paul’s families signed up … READ MORE…
I had a friend once who worked very hard to make sure that all of his plans went the right way. He followed all the rules. He worked hard. He found a spouse. He had children. He saved money. He did everything he was supposed to. But one day, his world came crashing in, and … READ MORE…
Hope is the thing with feathers That perches in the soul And sings the tune without the words And never stops at all. New Englander poet Emily Dickinson knew the power and necessity of hope, in a land where winter seems to go on for ever. Today we face a mess of contradictions. It’s the … READ MORE…
I invite you to close your eyes and imagine yourself in a room in your house at night. Do whatever you can to make it as dark as possible — shut the door, close the curtains tightly — and now light a match. Watch its flaring flame, its flickering dance along the walls, and its … READ MORE…
We have lots of traditional shots of the choir for the Evensong last week of Christmas lessons and carols (see them here). But here are some more candid shots of those listening to the music.
Stir up your power, O Lord, and with great might come among us; and, because we are sorely hindered by our sins, let your bountiful grace and mercy speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen. … READ MORE…
Did you get a chance to see the transformation of St Paul’s for Balboa Park’s December Nights event? By day, we have a mild-mannered neo-Gothic Cathedral, but by night, the building became something really different as the lights cycled through different colors and effects. Here are a few photos. You can find more here. … READ MORE…
A voice says, “Cry out!” And I said, “What shall I cry?” On this second Sunday of Advent, we are back at the beginning. The beginning of the good news; the beginning of Mark’s Gospel; the beginning of John the Baptist’s prophetic ministry; the beginning of a healing word to God’s people from the ancient … READ MORE…
Last night my husband and I volunteered to help out with greeting visitors to the Cathedral who were drawn to it by the wonderful outdoor lighting display. It was beautiful and later when returning from Balboa Park for December Nights in the Prado, you could see them from the Cabrillo Bridge. We got back to … READ MORE…