This time of year can feel so busy, so rushed, so pushed towards buying, consuming and pursuing every opportunity to share in the "Christmas Spirit" that sometimes we can feel left, a little empty. How can we make room for the sacred story of God still coming to dwell with us in Jesus? How can a birth story inspire us once again? How can images illuminate the messy parts of the journey that may intersect with your own story?

During December and Advent (the time period before Christmas) we will work through Honest Advent (by storyteller-artist Scott Erickson). Honest Advent seeks to illuminate the astonishing, hope-filled truth that the God who showed up in the hardest parts of our humanity is still showing up today in those same places.  

Artist-storyteller Scott Erickson gives us 25 days of refreshingly new illustrations and meditations to rekindle the wonder of God-with-Us in this season. We often forget that the encounter with the incarnate Christ happens in unexpected places, like a pregnancy announcement in an time of political unrest and empirical bloodshed, the morning sickness of a Middle Eastern teenager, or the shocking biology of home birth that goes far beyond the sanitized brand of Christmas as we know it.

Through contemplative observations, sacred questioning, and honest prayers, you will discover that the wonder of God-with-Us is still happening today - in your unexpected change of plans, your unaccomplished dreams, your unforeseen message in the stars, your humble new beginnings.

Come and spend time in prayer, lectio & visio divina (informal reflection on text and images), song as we savor the advent season. We’ll have candles, a quiet space and communion as we honor the sacred and everydayness of the circumstances and birth of Jesus.
(You do not have to have read the book to come, just join us for a time of honesty this advent.)
More information on Honest advent

Email Pastor Emma emma@echoesbellingham.org if you have any questions or would like to reserve a book! Suggested donation of $5-10 dollars to help cover book costs.